Freight Forwarders Hail Inclusion In Call-Up System, Push for E-Tag To Curb Racketeering At Lagos Ports

Freight Forwarders Hail Inclusion In Call-Up System, Push for E-Tag To Curb Racketeering At Lagos Ports

NPA MD,Dr.Abubakar Danstoho (L), Chief Ogbo (R)

By Frank Odinukaeze

Freight forwarders operating in the Lagos ports corridor have described their participation in the administration of the truck call-up system at Apapa and Tin Can Island as a welcome development, commending the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and its service provider, Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP), for reforms that have brought order to port access roads.

The initiative, which is part of NPA’s vision to digitalise container logistics and streamline truck movement, has significantly reduced congestion and bottlenecks around the nation’s busiest seaports. According to stakeholders, the direct involvement of freight forwarders in the call-up process has curtailed the activities of middlemen and eliminated racketeering in the issuance of call-up papers.

Through lectures and sensitisation campaigns, freight forwarders were educated on their roles in applying for call-up permits directly, ensuring they can now monitor truck movements more efficiently. Previously, delays caused by infractions from truckers, terminals, or their personnel often left freight forwarders bearing the brunt, with containers incurring heavy demurrage charges running into millions of naira.

Maritime consultant and logistics expert, Chief Sir Patrick Ogboo, said the inclusion of freight forwarders has created a more transparent and accountable process. “The system has restored orderliness to truck movement in and out of the ports, and freight forwarders can now oversee every stage of their operations without interference from third parties,” he noted.

Stakeholders are, however, urging the NPA to grant approval for the introduction of electronic tags (e-tags) by TTP, which they believe will finally put an end to sharp practices in truck movement. The proposed e-tag system aligns with the global “Just-in-Time” (JIT) cargo logistics model, ensuring efficiency, reduced gridlock, and increased revenue generation.

Freight forwarders also commended the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, for his proactive leadership in tackling operational challenges within the industry. They expressed optimism that, under his administration, approval for the e-tag initiative would soon be given.

“With Dr. Dantsoho’s listening ear and quick response to industry issues, we are confident the adoption of E-TAGs will be fast-tracked to save freight forwarders and the nation from unnecessary revenue losses caused by delays and gridlocks,” Ogbo stated.

Stakeholders maintain that the successful implementation of the e-tag will not only boost efficiency in Nigeria’s maritime logistics chain but also strengthen the country’s marine and blue economy space in line with international best practices.