Esther Oritse
Lagos — Port congestion in Lagos is expected to persist as Truck Transit Parks (TTP), the managers of truck movements in and out of the ports, has temporarily shut down its system for maintenance. The system upgrade has disrupted the operations of the ‘Eto’ platform, which is critical to managing truck scheduling.
In a notice to stakeholders, TTP announced that the system upgrade, scheduled for Sunday, November 24, 2024, aims to enhance system performance and user experience.
The statement read, “We wish to inform all users of the ‘Eto’ platform that a scheduled system upgrade will take place… During this period, the platform may experience intermittent downtime. This upgrade is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance system performance and improve user experience. We kindly encourage users to plan their bookings ahead of time to minimize any inconvenience.”
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
Mr. Sani Mohammed, an official of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), downplayed concerns, noting that TTP provided sufficient notice for businesses to plan and avoid additional costs. Drawing a parallel with system upgrades in the banking sector, Mohammed remarked that temporary disruptions are a necessary part of improving efficiency.
However, the President of the Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA), Mr. Yinka Aroyewun, criticized the ‘Eto’ system, describing it as a failed initiative designed to exploit truckers rather than facilitate traffic flow.
“The ‘Eto’ system has never worked, and it will never work because it has lost its objective of ensuring a seamless flow of traffic in and out of Lagos ports,” Aroyewun stated.
He argued that TTP lacks authority over terminals, which operate under private ownership with their schedules.
“The call-up system should be generated directly by individual terminals expecting trucks, allowing for a smoother and more efficient process,” he added.
Allegations of Exploitation
Aroyewun further alleged that the TTP system has become a revenue-generation tool, accusing it of fostering corruption. He revealed that call-up tickets now cost between N150,000 and N350,000, and that some processed trucks are impounded by Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) officials on questionable grounds.
“Four years into TTP’s administration, we’re still dealing with severe gridlock along the port corridor. Truckers are being forced to pay exorbitant fees, and fraudulent practices persist. This is extortion, plain and simple,” he said.
Call for Change
Aroyewun called for a re-evaluation of the system, emphasizing that truckers will not comply with imposed directives without their input as stakeholders. “We cannot comply with whatever NPA and TTP dictate without proper engagement. Imposing such policies is a recipe for anarchy,” he warned.
The ongoing system upgrade has reignited debates on the efficiency of port operations and the effectiveness of the ‘Eto’ platform in addressing Nigeria’s perennial port congestion challenges.
