Port Safety Boost: Truck Drivers Undergo Drug and Alcohol Tests at Apapa Terminal

Strengthening Safety at Nigeria’s Busiest Port 

Efforts to improve safety at Nigeria’s busiest seaport have taken a new turn as APM Terminals Apapa, in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority, launched a drug and alcohol testing campaign for external truck drivers operating within the port environment. 

The initiative is designed to reduce accidents, improve discipline, and ensure safer cargo movement across the Apapa port corridor in Lagos. 

 Why Drug Testing for Truck Drivers Matters 

Heavy-duty truck operations require full alertness and responsibility. According to port authorities, even a minor lapse in judgment can lead to: 

Serious accidents involving container trucks 

Damage to cargo and port infrastructure 

Risks to workers and road users 

Lagos Port Manager, Adebowale Ibrahim, stressed that driver fitness is critical to safety: 

“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.”

He added that routine testing will also serve as a deterrent against substance abuse among drivers. 

️ APM Terminals Strengthens Safety Culture 

The Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, explained that the campaign is part of a broader safety strategy aimed at maintaining operational excellence. 

The terminal recently recorded 636 days without a lost-time injury, a milestone that reflects strong safety compliance within its workforce. 

He noted: 

“Extending safety measures beyond our workforce to include external truck drivers is a necessary step. This initiative is about protecting lives, safeguarding assets, and strengthening a safety-first culture.” 

For more about global port safety standards, visit: 

https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/Default.aspx

Screening Results Show Progress 

The latest testing exercise, carried out at the port entrance with support from Port Police and Port Health Services, involved 30 truck drivers. 

Key findings: 

3 drivers tested positive for alcohol 

Majority were cleared and fit for duty 

Improvement recorded compared to earlier exercises 

Breathalyser testing was used to ensure accurate and quick screening of drivers before entry into the terminal. 

Tackling Substance Abuse in Transport Operations 

Officials say substance abuse among some drivers remains a concern, but consistent monitoring and awareness campaigns are helping to improve behaviour over time. 

The joint effort between port operators and regulators reflects a growing focus on: 

Proactive risk management 

Safer logistics operations 

Protection of lives and infrastructure 

The introduction of drug and alcohol testing for truck drivers at Apapa port marks a major step toward improving transport safety and port efficiency in Nigeria. With continued collaboration between authorities and stakeholders, the initiative is expected to reduce accidents and promote responsible driving within the logistics sector. 

As Nigeria’s trade activities expand, such safety measures remain essential for protecting people, goods, and critical infrastructure.