Esther Oritse
Lagos — Truck Park owners in Onne, Rivers State, are preparing for the full implementation of the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) Electronic Call-Up System as part of efforts to end the persistent gridlock and disorder around the Eastern Port axis.
The move comes after months of losses suffered by park investors due to the delayed rollout of the policy, which has allowed unregulated truck movements and extortion by non-state actors. These groups reportedly collect ₦1,000 per truck, encouraging drivers to park along the roads rather than in designated parks.
Stakeholders say the commencement of the Call-Up system will restore order, enhance port efficiency, and safeguard investments in the trucking and logistics value chain.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Nigerian Port Consultative Council (NPCC), Onne Chapter, Mr. Godwin Ololuke, announced that preparations have been concluded to launch the Electronic Call-up System along the Onne Port corridor tomorrow.
Ololuke explained that truck park owners and the Electronic Call-up System consultant recently met with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) through the Port Manager in Onne.
He added that the initiative aims to regulate the movement of trucks within and around the port area to ensure safety for all stakeholders, including schoolchildren and nearby residents.
A truck driver, Mr. Johnbull Igbikiowubo who spoke with Journalists said that the Call up system is welcome development that needs to be embraced by every stakeholder.
“The cooperation of all stakeholders is essential to ensure its success for the benefit of everyone involved and the nation’s economy.” Igbikiowubo said.
Similarly, Olumide Ibitolu, an official of Waterhouses Marine and Logistics Limited that the ongoing disorder was caused by efforts to register trucks under the new Electronic Call-Up System.
He noted that many truck drivers are not computer literate, which has contributed to the chaotic scenes around the Onne Port axis.
Ibitolu added that all arrangements have been concluded for the full take-off of the electronic call-up policy, emphasizing that it is in the best interest of all stakeholders to embrace the initiative for more efficient port operations
