The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP) say the electronic call-up system, ‘Eto’, has significantly reduced haulage costs and improved truck movement around Lagos ports.
TTP Managing Director Jama Onwubuariri made this known at the All Nigerian Maritime Journalists Retreat in Lagos. He said haulage costs have dropped from about N1.4 million to between N350,000 and N500,000, while truck turnaround time has reduced from three weeks to just two or three days.
Onwubuariri explained that the technology-driven traffic system has eased port congestion and improved cargo flow. Before its introduction in 2021, traffic gridlock stretched from Apapa to Surulere and Mile 2, crippling businesses and emergency services.
He noted that most Apapa access roads now experience free traffic flow, although bottlenecks still occur around Tin Can Island, especially from trucks not yet onboarded on the e-call-up platform.
The system has undergone over 170 updates and is now linked with the Central Bank’s Nigerian Export Proceeds (NXP) portal, ensuring exporters fulfil regulatory requirements before booking access.
However, challenges remain, including cloned plate numbers, non-compliance with Terminal Delivery Orders (TDOs), terminal delays, driver misconduct, and extortion by security personnel.
To address these issues, TTP is proposing an E-tag digital identity for trucks, tighter linkages between bookings and TDO/VEP numbers, improved terminal infrastructure, stronger enforcement measures, and better monitoring.
NPA Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the agency has reviewed the entire e-call-up framework. One of the key outcomes is a redesigned ‘Eto’ ticket, now tied directly to the TDO and VEP to prevent duplication and fraud.
