The Managing Director of Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP), Jama Onwubuariri, has outlined the major achievements, challenges, and next steps in the company’s ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Lagos State Government to manage truck traffic in and around the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
Speaking at the All Nigerian Maritime Journalists Retreat, Onwubuariri noted that TTP was invited by the Federal Government in 2019 to help address the chronic gridlock that plagued the Apapa port corridor.
Since the implementation of the electronic call-up system, ETO, in 2021, the company has significantly reduced congestion, improved cargo movement, and enhanced operational efficiency within Lagos port access roads.
According to Onwubuariri, the cost of moving cargo to and from the ports has dropped by about 65%, from as high as ₦1.4 million to between ₦350,000 and ₦500,000.
The system has processed approximately 3.4 million truck movements in four years and nine months, with truck turnaround time falling from two to three weeks to two to three days.
Despite the progress made, Onwubuariri highlighted key challenges still affecting seamless operations, including truck plate number duplication, non-compliance with Terminal Delivery Orders (TDOs), and extortion by security officials.
To further strengthen port access management, TTP has proposed several measures, including the deployment of a new E-tag digital identity system, improved investment in terminal infrastructure, and stronger consequence management for violators.
Onwubuariri reaffirmed TTP’s commitment to working with NPA and relevant stakeholders to sustain and deepen the gains of the Apapa traffic management reforms.
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