NPA to address stakeholders’ concerns over electronic truck call-up system –MD

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said it is ready to address all concerns raised about the implementation of the electronic scheduling system for trucks doing business at ports.

Its managing director, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, affirmed this Tuesday in Lagos when reviewing the status of implementation of the policy, popularly known as the “ETO system”, a year after its launch.

“We stand ready to effectively address all concerns raised; Having operated the novel electronic calling system for about a year, it should be hoped that some of the teething problems will go away.

“All persistent issues will require some time to resolve. The important thing is that we are committed to solving them,” she said.

While praising the effort and investments made by Transit Park (TTP) Ltd, operator of the calling system, the NPA helmsman said he recognized that change can sometimes be a painful process.

“In particular, managing the transition from a manual to an electronic call system for haul trucks can be difficult, so we have pleaded with the system operator to up their game, in light of the frustrations expressed by the system.”

According to him, the electronic call system, popularly called ‘ETO’, has revolutionized the delivery and evacuation of cargo in the port, hence the need to put everything necessary to sustain its positive in the country’s port industry.

“We are well aware that about a year after its introduction some have yet to fully integrate their trucking business with the ‘ETO’ system, so we are in regular contact with the system operator and these issues will be ironed out very soon. . be released,” he said.

Bello-Koko further explained that the progress made so far had improved time per trip and increased the return on logistics investments for transport operators.

“You will remember that one of the first places I visited personally, while I was Acting Managing Director, was the Ijora operating headquarters of the electronic calling system.

“Following that visit, I also undertook a first-hand assessment of the critical infrastructure in relation to the ‘ETO’ delivery at the two ports in Lagos.”

The managing director acknowledged that traffic had not flowed freely from Mile 2 to the Tin-Can Island port.

“This is the obstacle that the electronic call faces in that axis. What we currently have along the Tin-Can Island Harbor Corridor would be cleared once the road reconstruction is complete.

“We are in constant contact with the Comptroller of Works in Lagos and the contractors, all in our attempt to ensure that the access road from Mile 2 becomes passable like the one from Ijora to Apapa,” he said.

He said the NPA had donated 24 new motorcycles to strengthen traffic monitoring and enforcement along the access roads to the Lagos Port Complex and Tin-Can Island Port.

According to him, “the NPA management does not stop paying attention to the problems that prevent the continuous flow of traffic in and out of the port; We are proud of our partnership with the Lagos State Government in this regard.

“We will continue to implement innovative measures to eliminate all levies that impede the smooth movement of commerce along the access roads to the port.

“Our determination as the NPA administration is to ensure that the objectives behind the introduction of the electronic call system are achieved. We will continue to collaborate with Messrs TTP Ltd, the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders including trucking companies.

“There is a noticeable improvement in the traffic situation along the port corridor, so we are calling on truckers to be patient with the electronic calling system, even as we work to achieve all the results.

“We know that an efficient call system requires excellent IT to manage the movement of trucks from the various parks to the seaports. We are working together with the operators to improve the situation.

“We hope that personal contact will be completely eliminated in the scheduling of trucks at the port.

“For this to happen, there must be an efficient IT infrastructure, high-tech access control, 24-hour power supply and electronically controlled monitors at the various truck parking lots and lobbies,” stated the NPA MD.