Oyetola Directs NPA, Operators To Clear Power Equipment Stranded Since 2007

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has directed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and terminal operators to support the evacuation of hundreds of containers of electricity equipment stranded at Nigerian seaports for nearly two decades.

Some of the containers, which contain critical power equipment, have reportedly remained at the ports since 2007 due to administrative and bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Oyetola’s directive follows a presidential order for the clearance of the abandoned cargo to facilitate the release and deployment of the equipment for electricity infrastructure development.

The minister, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, directed the NPA and terminal operators to work with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Ministry of Power to ensure the immediate evacuation of the containers.

He said the successful implementation of the presidential directive would require effective coordination among government agencies and other port stakeholders.

“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,” Oyetola said.

The minister also instructed the port authorities and terminal operators to prioritise logistics, cargo positioning and handling arrangements to prevent further delays in the evacuation exercise.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to improving port efficiency, reducing cargo dwell times and ensuring that maritime infrastructure supports critical national development projects.

According to Oyetola, Nigerian seaports should serve as strategic gateways for economic growth, industrial development and infrastructure delivery rather than become holding points for cargoes whose release is essential to national progress.

He urged all stakeholders to sustain efforts towards clearing the containers, adding that the timely implementation of the presidential directive would demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing institutional bottlenecks and accelerating critical infrastructure projects.