The directive requires the NPA and terminal operators to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Ministry of Power to remove the operational and administrative obstacles delaying the evacuation of the equipment.

Some of the consignments have reportedly been held at the ports since 2007, despite being procured for projects intended to strengthen Nigeria's electricity transmission infrastructure.

Oyetola's instruction follows President Bola Tinubu's intervention to resolve the prolonged delays and ensure that the equipment is released for use in critical power projects.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, the minister emphasised that cooperation among the relevant government agencies and private port operators would be essential to completing the exercise.

He directed the NPA and terminal operators to prioritise the logistical arrangements, cargo positioning and handling services required to move the containers out of the ports without further delays.

According to Oyetola, the President's directive must be implemented effectively, with all stakeholders providing the necessary operational support to achieve the objective.

The minister also stressed that Nigeria's seaports should function as important gateways for economic growth, industrial expansion and infrastructure development, rather than become locations where essential public assets remain trapped for extended periods.

He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy's commitment to improving port operations, reducing cargo dwell time and making maritime infrastructure more responsive to the country's economic and development needs.

The latest directive comes after the Federal Government commenced efforts to recover more than 300 containers of electricity equipment that had been left uncleared at the ports for between 14 and 20 years.

On November 6, the Nigeria Customs Service announced the commencement of the evacuation exercise, with an initial 44 containers at ENL Terminal in Lagos and another 54 at other terminals, including APM Terminals and Sun & Moon Terminals.

The first 98 containers were cleared or approved for release as part of the wider exercise, leaving more consignments to be addressed.

The equipment reportedly includes high-capacity transformers, electrical cables, switchgear and other materials originally imported for electricity transmission projects involving government agencies, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.

The prolonged delay in releasing the materials has affected the implementation of projects for which they were acquired. The equipment was intended to strengthen substations, expand transmission capacity and improve the movement of electricity across the national grid.

However, the recovered materials will require technical inspections and testing to establish their condition and determine which items remain suitable for deployment after years in storage.

The Federal Government's ongoing intervention is expected to help recover valuable public assets and support the completion of delayed electricity infrastructure projects.

Oyetola maintained that all relevant stakeholders must sustain the momentum of the exercise, stressing that the timely implementation of the presidential directive would demonstrate the government's determination to address institutional bottlenecks and support national development.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia