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The study aims at examining the operational challenges facing cargo handling equipment at privately owned terminals within the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Nigeria. Primary data were collected through questionnaire survey randomly conducted on a total of 112 respondents who are staff of the private terminal operators at the port. The data collected were analysed using correlation and regression techniques of data analysis. The results of the regression analysis showed a high correlation value having R2 = 0.675 with the dependent variable. It was further revealed that inadequate workshop facilities and misuse of equipment were the most significant challenges to the operation of cargo handling equipment at terminals of Lagos port complex. The study recommended that the strategies for successful operation of handling equipment should involve devising ways to compensate for a number of factors that, individually or in combination, act to reduce the efficiency of equipment.