APM Terminals Apapa, in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority, has launched a drug and alcohol testing campaign targeting external truck drivers as part of efforts to strengthen safety operations at the port.
The terminal operator announced the initiative in a statement, noting that the exercise is aimed at ensuring that drivers operating heavy-duty trucks within the port environment are fit and alert.
Lagos Port Manager, Adebowale Ibrahim, said driver fitness remains critical to maintaining safe port operations.
“We must be certain that individuals operating heavy-duty trucks are fully alert and in the right state of mind. Safety within the port environment depends on this. Regular testing will act as a strong deterrent and help reduce substance abuse among truck drivers. We appreciate APM Terminals Apapa for driving this important collaboration, which aligns with our shared commitment to maintaining a safe port ecosystem,” he said.
Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, said the programme forms part of a broader safety strategy at the terminal.
“We recently achieved a significant milestone of 636 days without a lost-time injury, and our priority is to sustain and build on this performance. Extending safety measures beyond our workforce to include external truck drivers is a necessary step,” Alhraishat said.
He added that driving under the influence of alcohol places the driver at risk while also endangering other road users, terminal workers and critical port infrastructure.
Nigeria’s ports, particularly Apapa, handle a significant share of the country’s import and export traffic, making truck movement and cargo evacuation central to supply chain efficiency and safety.
Alhraishat warned that a single lapse could result in serious incidents involving trucks, container handling equipment or cargo.
“This initiative is about protecting lives, safeguarding assets, and strengthening a safety-first culture across the port community,” he stated.
He described substance abuse among some external drivers as a genuine concern and said regular testing, supported by awareness campaigns, would help promote behavioural change over time.
The campaign underscores the joint commitment of APM Terminals Apapa and the Nigerian Ports Authority to proactive risk management, safer operations and the protection of people, cargo and infrastructure within Nigeria’s busiest port.
The exercise, carried out at the port entrance with support from Port Police and Port Health Services, involved breathalyser screening for truck drivers.
Out of 30 drivers tested during the latest operation, three were found to be under the influence of alcohol, representing an improvement compared with previous exercises.
