The Truck Transit Parks (TTP), Limited has called in truck owners and drivers operating at the Apapa and Tin-Can Island Port to stop soliciting for customers on the port access roads.
This was disclosed by the Head of Operations TTP, Irabor Akonoman, during a pivotal stakeholders’ meeting organised by APM Terminals Apapa, to educate stakeholders, particularly its customers, on the workings of the
Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) truck electronic call-up system, “ETO” – managed by Truck Transit Park Ltd (TTP).
LEADERSHIP reports that the electronic call-up system coordinates truck traffic into the Lagos Port Complex Apapa, scheduling dispatches to reduce gridlock and improve the timely delivery of goods.
However, speaking at the event, Akonoman stated that to reduce congestion and ensure smoother truck movement in and out of the ports, truckers must stop soliciting for jobs on the highway.
He also commended APM Terminals Apapa for convening the forum even as he asked importers and exporters to track their truck’s movement via the TTP website.
“We also encourage all importers and exporters to track their trucks’ movements through our website or by contacting our customer care team. Each truck is assigned a unique journey code that allows our staff to trace its booking details. With the journey code and truck particulars, we can inform you of the exact departure date from our facility.
“Once a truck exits the pre-gate, it has a 72-hour window to reach the port before its ticket expires. If your truck has not arrived at the port within this period, we advise you to
investigate promptly.”
Head of Commercial at APM Terminals Apapa, Kayode Olufemi Daniels, emphasised the importance of the meeting in educating customers on the workings of “ETO.”
He noted that a deeper understanding of the system’s processes would help reduce operational complaints and alleviate congestion on critical port access roads.
“Our goal is to create a transparent and accessible process that works seamlessly for everyone involved in the port ecosystem,” Daniels stated.
He stated further, “This engagement is an important step toward helping our customers understand the ‘ETO’ system and address any lingering concerns. When our customers know how to navigate the system, they can avoid unnecessary delays, reduce frustration, and contribute to a more organised flow of trucks into the terminal.”
Daniels clarified that delays are often attributed to the terminal operator, whereas in reality, enforcement practices play a more significant role.
“Many times, the terminal operator is perceived as the reason trucks face delays entering the port, but I believe today’s session will help clarify that the issue lies not with our terminal or TTP, but rather with enforcement practices,” he said.
He explained that some truckers deliberately delay by parking on access roads while attempting to complete dual transactions, such as waiting for additional paperwork to pick up an import container after dropping off an export/empty container.
The meeting was attended by importers, exporters, trucking companies, and Nigerian Port Authority officials.
The meeting also highlighted APM Terminals’ commitment to enhancing port efficiency, supporting the “ETO” system, and alleviating congestion along the port corridor.
