The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, has disclosed how entrenched interests and long-standing corruption networks were dismantled to end the notorious Apapa gridlock, which for over two decades crippled port operations and disrupted Nigeria’s economic flow.
Oyetola, who spoke on Wednesday while receiving members of Study Group 4, Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at the Ministry’s headquarters, described the feat as a major turning point in restoring order to Nigeria’s key maritime corridor.
According to the Minister, the Apapa gridlock was not a result of natural congestion, but the product of a deliberately sustained system of chaos and corruption.
“The Apapa gridlock wasn’t natural — it was engineered. There were people who built careers and empires on the dysfunction of that corridor. Breaking that cycle meant taking on forces who didn’t want change,” he said.
Since assuming office in 2023, Oyetola said it became clear that resolving the Apapa traffic situation was a prerequisite for any meaningful progress in the blue economy. However, he quickly realised that the problem extended beyond poor infrastructure to include deeply entrenched vested interests.
“Clearing that gridlock meant going against years of collusion, corruption, and carefully cultivated disorder. We identified the patterns, unmasked the players, and took decisive action,” he stated.
He noted that his Ministry’s efforts were supported by inter-ministerial collaboration. In December 2023, he wrote to the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, seeking urgent repairs of the failed portions of the port access roads.
“I reached out to my colleague, Senator Umahi, and appealed for his support. He responded with commendable urgency. The repairs began swiftly, and that infrastructural support gave our reforms the room they needed to take hold,” Oyetola said.
The Minister also commended the Lagos State Government for its cooperation in clearing shanties and illegal structures that had contributed to the persistent congestion.
With the roads rehabilitated and a new digital truck scheduling system introduced, the previously unrelenting gridlock began to ease and eventually disappeared — a development Oyetola described as historic.
“For the first time in over 20 years, trucks no longer spent weeks waiting to pick up or deliver cargo. Port users began to experience seamless movement, while haulage costs dropped by as much as 60 percent,” he said.
He noted that the improvements have transformed the area and revitalised commercial activity. Residents now enjoy cleaner and safer surroundings, while businesses are returning and ports are operating with greater efficiency.
“Too many lives were lost during those years of gridlock. People lost livelihoods, businesses closed, and property values collapsed. I am happy that we have restored hope and opened a new chapter,” he said.
While celebrating the progress made, the Minister stressed that continued vigilance and cooperation are needed to sustain the gains.
The NIPSS delegation, led by Brigadier General Abdulrahaman Idris, commended Oyetola for his leadership and strategic approach, describing the resolution of the Apapa gridlock as a milestone worthy of emulation.