Vincent Toritseju
Lagos — A group under aegis the of the Council of Maritime Truck Unions and Association, COMTUA, has said that continued operation of the Electronic Call Up system has worsened the congestion currently being experienced at the various ports in Lagos.
In a letter to maritime stakeholders, President of COMTUA, Comrade Yinka Aroyewun expressed concern regarding the failure of the Electronic Call Up System implemented by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the subsequent collection of fees from truckers despite the system’s inability to deliver on its promises.
According to Aroyewun, the Electronic Call Up System was introduced with the aim of streamlining operations and reducing congestion at the ports just as it was also meant to provide a transparent and efficient process for the movement of trucks in and out of the ports.
He said: ‘However, it is disheartening to note that the system has not lived up to its expectations.
Truckers, who are an integral part of the port operations, have been consistently burdened with fees for a system that has proven to be ineffective. These fees have continued to be collected even though the Electronic Call Up System has failed to deliver the intended benefits. This not only places an unfair financial burden on the truckers but also undermines the trust and confidence they have in the NPA.
“The failure of the Electronic Call Up System has resulted in increased congestion, delays, and financial losses for truckers and other stakeholders. It is imperative that the NPA acknowledges these shortcomings and takes immediate action to rectify the situation. This may involve a thorough review of the system’s functionality, addressing any technical issues, and enhancing its overall performance.
“Furthermore, it is crucial for the NPA to consider refunding the fees collected from truckers during the period of the system’s failure. It is only fair and just to reimburse these hardworking individuals who have been paying for a service that has not been delivered as promised.
“Transparency and accountability are vital in maintaining the trust of the public and ensuring the smooth operation of our ports. I kindly urge the NPA to be proactive in addressing this issue, engaging with stakeholders, and providing a viable solution to the challenges faced by truckers.
“I call upon the Nigerian Ports Authority to rectify the shortcomings of the Electronic Call Up System and cease the collection of fees until the system is fully functional. The truckers and the public at large deserve a reliable and efficient port system that facilitates smooth operations and enhances our nation’s economic growth.”
