The Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA) has cautioned the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to halt the renewal of its contract with Truck Transit Park Limited, citing alleged operational failures in the management of the electronic truck call-up system.
In a letter addressed to the Managing Director of the NPA, the association said its position was based on persistent challenges affecting the system, which it claimed has not delivered the expected improvements in port access and logistics operations.
COMTUA noted that the electronic call-up platform, known as Eto, was introduced to address longstanding issues such as traffic congestion on port access roads, extortion of truck drivers, and inefficiencies within the port logistics chain.
However, the association argued that the platform has fallen short of its objectives, stating that gridlock continues to affect major port corridors, including the Apapa and Tin Can Island routes in Lagos.
According to COMTUA, truck drivers still experience harassment and illegal levies despite the introduction of the digital system. The group also cited recurring technical issues, including system glitches, downtime and concerns over alleged unequal allocation of access slots.
The association further disclosed that disagreements over the management of the platform have led to ongoing legal disputes between COMTUA and the NPA.
Read also:
- Maritime transporters reject E-call up system at Eastern Ports
- Stakeholders reject adoption of E-ticketing at Eastern Ports
- Tinubu New Tax Law: What every Nigerian must know
COMTUA said the expiration of the current contract in February presents an opportunity for authorities to review the arrangement and adopt a more efficient system for managing truck access to the ports.
The group therefore urged the NPA to initiate a transparent review process that includes key industry stakeholders in developing a more effective framework for port logistics management.
It also advised the authority to prioritise operational efficiency, improved welfare for truck drivers and stronger technological infrastructure in any future arrangement.
According to COMTUA, renewing the contract under the current circumstances would amount to maintaining a system that has not adequately addressed the challenges it was originally designed to solve.
