ELECTRONIC TRUCK CALL-UP SYSTEM – LAGOS

Electronic truck call-up system is one of the innovations by the Nigeria Port Authority introduced to Apapa. What is electronic call-up all about? Why is it reasonable to do electronic call-up at Apapa and Tincan roads? What does electronic truck call-up system seek to achieve? When will electronic truck call-up system commence? Furthermore, how does the e-system function? We will answer these entire questions in the following paragraphs.

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WHAT IS ELECTRONIC TRUCK CALL-UP SYSTEM

Electronic truck call-up system is a system designed to manage the movement of trucks into and out of ports. Like every other electronic systems, this system requires the use of internet. To access the e-system, Transporters and Clearing Agents would have to download the app from Google play store. The system is also accessible via its website. Hence, it is advisable that Truckers/Clearing Agents should create an account via the website or by downloading the app called “eto”

According to the Assistant General Manager Corporate and Strategic Communications of NPA, Ibrahim Nasiru, “henceforth, all trucks doing business at the ports in Lagos would be required to park at the approved truck parks until they are called up into the port through a new app called Eto”

He added, “The Eto application will be responsible for the scheduling, entry and exit of all trucks into the ports with effect from 27th February 2021.”

WHAT DOES ELECTRONIC TRUCK CALL-UP SYSTEM SEEK TO ACHIEVE?

The NPA introduced e-call-up as part of series of actions aimed at easing truck congestion at Apapa and Tincan roads. Trucks Transit Parks Ltd (TTP) manages this system. Upon successful registration, the manager gives the following message, which summarizes the purpose:

Welcome to Trucks Transit Parks Ltd (TTP) and thank you for signing up for our services. We are most glad to have you onboard. At TTP, we are changing the narrative of truck movement in Africa by using technology, physical infrastructure and man-management systems to reduce traffic challenges. Here are some of the benefits we bring to you:

• Increase your logistics returns on investment while maximizing time on trip.
• Ease truck traffic congestion, streamlining ports and cargo movement activities
• Smart parking for trucks
• Information navigation options for you and your driver on where truck parking is available
• Convenience for truck owners/truckers during their trip such as rest and hospitality, vulcanizing, mechanic, refueling etc. at designated TTP parks.

HOW DOES THE E-SYSTEM FUNCTION?

The transport companies and clearing agencies will have to wait after booking for electronic call via the app. The NPA spokesperson said empty containers return to the ports would be through the approved holding bays of shipping companies using the “eto” platform. Ibrahim Nasiru continued; “It is the responsibility of the shipping company to move empty containers from their holding bay to the port. All cargo owners have to do is drop their empty containers at the holding bay of the shipping company. The shipping company will then make the necessary bookings on the Eto platform to return empty containers to the port.”

“Non-compliance to the use of Eto and its guidelines will result in denial of access into the ports, impounding of trucks and withdrawal of registration or operating license,” he concluded.

CONCLUSION

Electronic call-up for truck into and out of Apapa/Tincan ports will commence on the 27 February 2021. The e-system is part of measures by NPA to solve the gridlock issues at Apapa and its environment. Therefore, to continue in the trucking business within Lagos port, transport companies must avail themselves the use of “eto” app. Finally, this electronic call-up system is yet evolving, and we will load details as they unfold.

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