NPA Reaffirms Drive for Congestion-Free Ports, Highlights Gains of e-Call Up System
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining congestion-free port corridors, citing significant gains recorded through the implementation of its e-Call Up System for trucks operating around the nation’s ports.
The Managing Director of NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, gave the assurance while addressing participants at the All-Nigerian Maritime Journalists Retreat organised by the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON).
The retreat, themed “Maximising Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Import and Export Trade,” was held at De Marii Hotel, Lagos Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki.
Represented by the Traffic Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Jimoh Anthony, Dantsoho described the e-Call Up System, also known as ETO, as a key digital reform that has restored order, transparency and efficiency to port access roads, particularly along the Apapa and Tin Can Island corridors.
He recalled that before the deployment of the system, port corridors were plagued by indiscriminate truck movements, prolonged gridlock and excessive truck dwell time, which negatively affected trade facilitation, port efficiency and economic productivity.
According to him, the system has evolved into a structured digital logistics platform that regulates truck inflow, improves coordination across the logistics chain and aligns Nigeria’s port operations with global best practices.
One of the major achievements highlighted was the transition from manual call-up procedures to a fully centralised digital truck scheduling system. This, he said, eliminated manual queues, reduced human interference and ensured that only trucks with verified reservations gained access to port premises.
Dantsoho also pointed to the establishment of transit parks and pre-gate facilities operated by Truck Transit Parks (TTP), which serve as holding bays for truck pre-inspection and sequencing before port entry. He said the initiative has significantly reduced roadside congestion while improving regulatory oversight.
He noted that traffic conditions along the Apapa and Tin Can corridors have improved considerably, attributing the progress to collaboration among NPA, security agencies, terminal operators and other stakeholders. Truck turnaround time has shortened, while illegal roadside parking has been drastically reduced.
“The persistent gridlock that once defined the port corridors has been significantly curtailed, and we will not allow it to return,” he said.
The NPA boss further disclosed that the Authority recently reviewed the e-Call Up framework to address emerging loopholes and strengthen system integrity. As part of the review, ETO tickets were redesigned and upgraded with enhanced security features.
Under the new arrangement, ETO tickets are now linked directly to the Terminal Delivery Order (TDO) and Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), providing end-to-end traceability and eliminating ticket duplication and resale.
He also announced the full integration of terminal gate barriers with the ETO platform, noting that barriers now open only after electronic verification of valid ETO tickets. This, he said, has prevented unauthorised entry, improved truck sequencing and reduced human interference across port operations.
Dantsoho stressed that the e-Call Up System has moved beyond an emergency traffic control measure to become a robust digital logistics management framework delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, safety and orderliness.
He assured stakeholders that the NPA would continue to deepen the reforms to consolidate existing gains and support Nigeria’s long-term trade facilitation and global competitiveness goals.
At the event, Dantsoho was honoured with the MARCON Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to maritime trade facilitation through port modernisation and automation.
MARCON also named the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of NPA, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, as Maritime PR Professional of the Year, citing his contributions to maritime communication, public affairs engagement and industry development.
