The management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has assured port users and other stakeholders in the maritime sector of the economy that as it reviews the expired agreement governing the Electronic Truck Call-Up System (ETO) there will be no disruption in its operations.
The assurance from the management of NPA is coming on the heels of the end of the contract between it and Truck Transit Park Limited (TTP) which manages ETO platform since it ended in February 2026.
It said the contract is currently under review as it moves to fine tune ETO in the light of its use during the contract period.
Apparently aware of the fears in some quarters that the end of the contract and its review may cause a hiccup in the cargo supply chain, NPA said in a statement made available to Maritime Bits that it will do everything possible to ensure port efficiency and seamless cargo movement remain top priorities.
The statement which was signed by NPA General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara revealed that there are clear provisions within the expired agreement to guarantee operational stability.
His words: “There are options under the expired agreement to be adopted to ensure that necessary arrangements are in place for business continuity by the parties that would ensure that operations are not disrupted in any way.”
Onyemekara described the review as a routine administrative process consistent with global best practices even as he noted that NPA is committed to safeguarding the gains recorded since the introduction of the digital call-up system.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that the ETO platform was introduced in 2021 at the height of the Apapa gridlock that crippled entry and exit from the port city of Apapa. It was meant to address the chaotic traffic situation by regulating truck movements in an orderly and efficient manner.
ETO entails pre-booked access slots before trucks approach the ports which promptly restored order to the once chaotic logistics chain and significantly reduced traffic congestion along port access roads in Apapa, Lagos.
Stakeholders in the maritime sector of the economy have opined that under NPA supervision, the digital regime had contributed to improved cargo evacuation, enhanced vessel turnaround time, and greater predictability in port operations.
According to them, the assurance of NPA management has strengthen investors’ confidence particularly at a time when the Federal Government is pursuing port modernisation initiatives aimed at improving competitiveness and efficiency.
Already, the management of NPA has promised that while the review process continues, it will not waiver on its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and stakeholder engagements in determining the next phase of the call-up system.
As at press time, the Managing Director of TTP, Mr. Jama Onwubuariri could not be reached for comments as the fears and uncertainty in some quarters continues.
