By Barnabas Esiet.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, says the agency’s electronic call-up platform for trucks, known as ETO, has delivered significant improvements in port access management and national logistics efficiency.
He made this known during his keynote address at the 2025 All Nigerian Maritime Journalists Retreat organised by the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), where he outlined the system’s milestones and recent enhancements.
Introduced on 27 February 2021, the E-Call Up System was designed to end the era of chaotic truck movements, gridlock, and excessive dwell times along the Apapa and Tin Can Port corridors.
Dr. Dantsoho, represented by the Traffic Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Jimoh Anthony, noted that the digital platform has since evolved into a transformative tool, restoring order and aligning Nigerian port operations with global standards.
According to the NPA chief, one of the system’s earliest achievements was the shift from manual scheduling to a centralised digital platform that authenticates truck reservations and eliminates human interference.
He also highlighted the establishment of Transit Parks and Pre-Gate Facilities, managed by Truck Transit Parks Ltd. (TTP), which serve as regulated holding areas for pre-inspection and sequencing. These facilities have played a key role in reducing roadside congestion.
Dr. Dantsoho reported “visible improvements” in traffic flow around the Apapa and Tin Can corridors, attributing this to collaboration with security agencies, terminal operators, and other stakeholders.
According to him, truck turnaround time has improved significantly, while indiscriminate roadside parking has declined.
He added that continuous engagement with transport unions, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and regulators has allowed ongoing optimisation of the system.
The NPA recently concluded a comprehensive review of the ETO system, resulting in two major enhancements:
1. Redesigned ETO Ticket Architecture:
Tickets are now directly linked to the Terminal Delivery Order (TDO) and Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP). This redesign aims to eliminate fraud, enhance traceability, and close loopholes previously exploited by operators.
2. Integration of Terminal Gate Barriers:
Terminal gates are now synchronized with the ETO platform, opening only after verifying a valid electronic ticket.
This prevents unauthorised truck movements, eliminates diversions, and ensures trucks access only their assigned terminals.
Dr. Dantsoho emphasised that the E-Call Up System has matured from an emergency intervention into a stable digital logistics framework that supports efficiency, safety, and orderliness across the ports corridor.
He assured stakeholders that the NPA will continue to strengthen the system, consolidate the gains recorded, and prevent a return to the era of chronic congestion.
“Our goal is clear: to support Nigeria’s long-term trade facilitation objectives and enhance our country’s global competitiveness,” he said.
The 2025 MARCON Retreat with the theme: ‘Maximising Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Import and Export Trade’ brought together maritime journalists, industry stakeholders, and sector regulators for discussions on port efficiency and national logistics reforms.
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