The Lagos State Government has dismissed suggestions that port operations should be moved to Warri as a solution to the growing congestion at Lagos ports. According to the state, the real cause of the gridlock is rooted in the policies and operational decisions of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), not the location of the ports. Officials insist that Lagos remains the most strategic and economically viable hub for maritime activities, and shifting operations elsewhere would not address the underlying problems.

Lagos authorities explained that improved coordination, better infrastructure management, and updated NPA regulations are what the ports truly need. They argue that congestion persists because key reforms—such as digital systems, cargo movement control, and traffic enforcement—are either slow or poorly implemented. The state believes addressing these internal issues is more impactful than relocating port activities.

The government further noted that Lagos already has an advanced support system for port operations, including road networks, financial institutions, and logistics providers. According to officials, abandoning this setup to shift activities to Warri would disrupt supply chains and increase operational costs for businesses. Instead, they advocate strengthening existing systems and resolving bottlenecks.

Lagos reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with federal agencies but insisted that solutions must be practical. The state urged the NPA to prioritize reforms, modern technology, and better coordination, arguing that these steps—not relocation—will reduce congestion and improve port efficiency.