The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and APM Terminal Apapa have commenced drug and alcohol testing for external truck drivers operating within the port, as part of efforts to strengthen safety and risk management.
The exercise, conducted at the port entrance at the weekend with support from the Port Police and Port Health Services, involved breathalyser screening of drivers.
Of the 30 drivers tested, three were found to be under the influence of alcohol, indicating an improvement on previous exercises.
The Lagos Port Manager, Adebowale Lawal, said driver fitness remains critical to safe port operations. He noted that operators of heavy-duty trucks must remain alert, as safety within the port environment depends on their condition.
Lawal added that regular testing would serve as a deterrent and help reduce substance abuse among drivers. “We appreciate APM Terminals Apapa for driving this collaboration, which aligns with our shared commitment to maintaining a safe port ecosystem,” he said.
The Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat said the initiative forms part of a broader safety strategy. “We recently achieved 636 days without a lost-time injury, and our priority is to sustain and build on this performance. Extending safety measures to external truck drivers is a necessary step,” he said.
He added that impaired driving places the driver and others at risk, including terminal personnel and port assets, and noted that a single lapse could lead to serious incidents.
Alhraishat described substance abuse among some drivers as a concern, adding that consistent testing and awareness would support behavioural change and reinforce a safety-focused culture across the port community.
