Apapa traffic system review won’t disrupt ports — NPA

By Godwin Oritse

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has assured port users and stakeholders that ongoing review of the Electronic Truck Call-Up System, popularly known as ETO, will not disrupt port operations or cargo movement.

The Authority gave the assurance following the expiration of its agreement with Truck Transit Park Ltd (TTP), the firm managing the ETO platform, at the end of February 2026. It stated that measures have been put in place to guarantee business continuity while the review process is underway.

General Manager, Corporate Communications and Strategy, Ikechukwu Onyemakara, said there are provisions within the expired agreement that allow both parties to adopt interim arrangements to ensure seamless operations.

“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,” he said.

He described the review as a routine administrative process in line with global best practices, stressing that the NPA remains committed to sustaining efficiency and stability across the ports.

The ETO platform was introduced in 2021 at the peak of the Apapa gridlock crisis to regulate truck movement along the Lagos ports corridor. By enforcing a pre-booking system for trucks before accessing the ports, the initiative restored order to the previously chaotic logistics chain and significantly eased traffic congestion.

Industry stakeholders have noted that under the NPA’s supervision, the digital call-up system has improved cargo evacuation, enhanced vessel turnaround time, and increased predictability in port operations.

They added that the Authority’s reassurance is expected to boost investor confidence, particularly as the NPA continues to pursue broader port modernisation initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and global competitiveness.

The NPA reiterated that maintaining seamless port operations remains a top priority, assuring all stakeholders that the review process will not reverse the gains recorded since the introduction of the ETO system.