Esther Oritse
Lagos — Irabor Akonoman, Head of Operations at Trucks Transit Parks (TTP), has urged truck operators to stop soliciting customers along port access roads, emphasizing that this is crucial for reducing congestion and improving truck flow to and from the ports.
During a recent stakeholders’ meeting organized by APM Terminals Apapa to educate port users, Akonoman highlighted that TTP and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) are working tirelessly to address the ongoing congestion. He explained that the “ETO” electronic call-up system coordinates truck traffic at the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa, scheduling dispatches to reduce gridlock and expedite goods delivery.
The meeting, which brought together importers, exporters, trucking companies, and NPA officials, underscored APM Terminals’ commitment to enhancing port efficiency by supporting the “ETO” system and mitigating congestion along port corridors. Akonoman commended APM Terminals for hosting the forum and encouraged importers and exporters to track their trucks’ movements via the TTP website, where each truck is assigned a unique journey code for tracking its booking details.
“Once a truck exits the pre-gate, it has a 72-hour window to reach the port before its ticket expires. If a truck hasn’t arrived within this period, we recommend prompt investigation,” Akonoman advised.
Kayode Olufemi Daniels, Head of Commercial at APM Terminals Apapa, stressed the importance of educating customers on the “ETO” system, noting that a better understanding of its processes would reduce operational complaints and alleviate congestion on critical access roads.
“Our goal is to create a transparent, accessible process that works seamlessly for everyone in the port ecosystem. When customers understand how to navigate the system, they can avoid delays, reduce frustration, and support a more organized flow of trucks into the terminal,” Daniels stated.
Daniels clarified that delays are often attributed to terminal operations, while in reality, enforcement practices play a larger role. He noted that some truckers intentionally delay by parking on access roads to complete dual transactions, such as waiting to pick up import containers after dropping off exports or empty containers.
The “ETO” system, introduced by the NPA in February 2021 and managed by TTP, was developed to ease congestion at Nigeria’s busiest ports, including Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports. This system requires truck operators to book entry slots in advance, regulating the daily influx of trucks, enhancing port efficiency, and helping reduce logistics costs for importers and exporters.
As Nigeria’s largest container terminal, APM Terminals Apapa handles a significant share of the nation’s import and export volume. With modern facilities and a commitment to operational efficiency, APM Terminals is a critical link in West Africa’s supply chain and has been a proactive supporter of the “ETO” call-up system, aligning with its goals of minimizing congestion and streamlining port operations.
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