Thousands of commuters and motorists were stranded for hours after severe traffic gridlock crippled the Oshodi–Apapa Expressway, as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), tank farm operators, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) battled to restore order along one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors. The disruption brought movement around the Mile 2–Berger Yard axis and adjoining routes to a near standstill.

According to reports, the congestion was triggered by indiscriminate parking of fuel tankers and container trucks, particularly around the Coconut–Mile 2 corridor, where vehicles waiting to load petroleum products blocked access to several tank farms. The situation worsened as loaded tankers were unable to exit the depots, resulting in traffic stretching across major port access roads.

Truck owners, tanker drivers, customs agents, and traffic managers exchanged blame over the crisis. While some stakeholders accused the NPA of failing to effectively coordinate port access roads, others blamed poor traffic management, inadequate enforcement of regulations, the absence of tanker integration into the electronic call-up system, and indiscriminate parking by independent tanker drivers.

Motorists and commercial transport operators described the gridlock as one of the worst witnessed in recent months, with journeys that normally take less than an hour lasting several hours. Businesses operating along the corridor also reported disruptions and economic losses caused by the prolonged traffic paralysis.

Stakeholders called for stronger coordination among the NPA, the Lagos State Government, security agencies, tank farm operators, transport unions, and other relevant authorities, warning that without effective traffic management, proper regulation of tanker movements, and improved port logistics, the Oshodi–Apapa corridor will continue to experience recurring gridlock with serious economic consequences.