Esther Oritse
Lagos — In an effort to improve port integration and streamline operations, the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has called on the authorities to adopt the truck call-up system used at Shanghai Port, China, citing its efficiency in managing logistics and reducing congestion.
In a Notice addressed to the relevant agencies in charge of truck traffic management at Lagos ports, Technical Head of AMATO, Mr. Adeshina Ajijola said that the dynamic Coordination of call up systems in Shanghai does not only enhance scheduling of trucks but aligns cargo specific with port resources thereby ensuring that trucks are routed correctly upon entering the port.
Ajijola also suggested that the truck scheduler system can be adopted to support the existing Eto system to curb the intermittent traffic congestion at the Apapa Port.
He explained that Shanghai Port utilizes the Port Logistics Information Platform** and China’s “Single Window” system, which consolidate documentation (including cargo manifests) for customs, logistics, and port operations as ship manifests are electronically submitted and shared among stakeholders, ensuring seamless coordination.
He said: “The Shanghai Port employs an advanced, integrated system to coordinate truck movements, which leverages digital platforms and data integration, including manifest information. Here’s a breakdown of how manifests contribute to the system:
Electronic Integration via Platforms
Shanghai Port utilizes the Port Logistics Information Platform and China’s “Single Window” system, which consolidate documentation (including cargo manifests) for customs, logistics, and port operations. Manifests are electronically submitted and shared among stakeholders, ensuring seamless coordination.
“Truck Reservation System (TRS)
Trucks must book time slots in advance via the TRS. While the primary function is slot allocation, the system may integrate manifest data to Prioritize trucks based on cargo type (e.g., perishables, hazardous materials), and assign appropriate gates or storage areas within the port, reducing congestion.
“Customs and Regulatory Compliance
Manifests are critical for customs clearance. By linking the TRS with the Single Window system, trucks undergo pre-clearance, accelerating entry. Hazardous cargo manifests, for instance, trigger specific routing for safety compliance.
“Dynamic Coordination
Real-time data (e.g., traffic, terminal workload) primarily drives truck scheduling, but manifest details enhance efficiency by aligning cargo-specific requirements with port resources. This integration ensures trucks are routed correctly upon entry.
“While the Truck Admission System primarily relies on slot reservations and real-time traffic management, manifest data is integrated into broader port systems to optimize routing, compliance, and prioritization. This holistic approach minimizes delays and enhances operational efficiency at Shanghai Port.
“Adoption of advanced integrated system by Shanghai was doable and achievable because Chinese National interest was placed above personal parochial selfish interest by policy makers. They placed China’s interest first before and above their personal interest. But here in Nigeria, we only have policy butchers with sharp cutlass butchering anything butcherable to fill their pockets to the detriment of national interest.
“We find it difficult to implement common national single window policy due to greed and corruption.
“The truck scheduler system is poised to in practical terms, support existing Eto system of releasing and passing trucks to curb the intermittent traffic congestion at the Apapa Port.
“It is a combination of strategies (an integral one at that) that aims to streamline the truck deployment process in concert with the existing eto system as well as the e-tag being proposed.
“We hope the authorities would without further delay activate the process to implement these solutions to improve the annual Throughput of the Apapa Port (including the terminals).
Reacting to the development, the Managing Director of Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP), Mr. Jama Onwubuariri, whose firm was contracted by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to oversee truck movements in and out of the ports, stated that AMATO’s suggestions were already in place but hindered by corruption.
He said, “All of these measures have either been implemented or proposed for our ports. If corruption is eliminated, everything will function smoothly. But the ‘Nigerian factor’ continues to stand in the way.”
