Minister Directs NPA, Seaport Terminal Operators to Clear Containers Abandoned for 20 Years at Ports

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has directed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and seaport terminal operators to prioritise the clearance of power equipment containers that have remained stranded at the nation’s seaports for nearly two decades.

According to an official statement issued on Tuesday by the minister’s spokesperson, Bolaji Akinola, the directive is aimed at ensuring the prompt evacuation and delivery of the long-abandoned cargo to the Federal Ministry of Power.

The development follows a presidential directive ordering the clearance of the containers, some of which have reportedly been stranded at Nigerian seaports since 2007.

Oyetola emphasised the need for effective collaboration among relevant government agencies and port stakeholders, noting that successful implementation of the presidential order would depend on proper coordination and cooperation.

The minister urged the NPA and terminal operators to accord the assignment the highest priority while working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Ministry of Power to ensure the smooth execution of the directive.

In the statement, Oyetola reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the President’s directive, stressing that all necessary operational support must be provided to achieve the desired outcome.

He stated, “Mr. President’s directive is clear, and our responsibility is to ensure its effective implementation. 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 directive is expected to facilitate the recovery and delivery of the stranded power equipment, which has remained at the nation’s ports for years, while underscoring the government’s renewed efforts to address delays in cargo clearance and improve operational efficiency across Nigeria’s seaports.