Oyetola directs NPA, terminal operators to clear power equipment trapped at ports since 2007

Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, has directed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and terminal operators to expedite the evacuation of hundreds of containers of electricity equipment stranded at Nigerian ports since 2007.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Bolaji Akinola, his special adviser, Oyetola gave the directive following a presidential order to clear the containers.

“Mr. President’s directive is clear, and our responsibility is to ensure its effective implementation,” Oyetola was quoted as saying.

“NPA and terminal operators are to give this assignment the highest priority, work seamlessly with Customs and the Ministry of Power, and provide every necessary operational support to achieve the desired result.”

The minister directed the port authority and terminal operators to prioritise logistics, cargo positioning and handling arrangements to ensure the containers are evacuated without further delay.

Oyetola said the successful implementation of the presidential directive would depend on effective coordination among government agencies and other port stakeholders.

He said the ministry is committed to improving port efficiency, reducing cargo dwell times, and ensuring that Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure supports critical national development priorities.

The minister said the country’s seaports should serve as gateways for economic growth, industrial development and infrastructure delivery rather than holding points for cargoes whose release is essential to national progress.

He called on stakeholders to sustain the clearance exercise, saying its timely execution would demonstrate the government’s resolve to address institutional bottlenecks and accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure projects.