The Head of Commercial at APM Terminals Apapa, Kayode Daniels, has stated that cargo delays in the ports are not caused by terminal operators as perceived rather they are caused by poor policy enforcement.
Daniel in a statement on Tuesday, disclosed this recently during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by APM Terminals Apapa, to educate stakeholders, particularly its customers, on the workings of the truck electronic call-up system, “Eto” introduced by the Nigerian Ports Authority and managed by Truck Transit Park Ltd.
He reiterated that delays are often attributed to the terminal operator, whereas in reality, enforcement practices play a more significant role.
Daniel noted that a deeper understanding of the processes would help reduce operational complaints and alleviate congestion on critical port access roads.
“Many times, the terminal operator is perceived as the reason trucks face delays entering the port, but I believe today’s session will help clarify that the issue lies not with our terminal or TTP, but rather with enforcement practices,” he said.
Daniel explained that some truckers deliberately delay by parking on access roads while attempting to complete dual transactions, “such as waiting for additional paperwork to pick up an import container after dropping off an export/empty container.”
He mentioned that the terminal operator intends to create a transparent and accessible process that works seamlessly for everyone involved in the port ecosystem.
At the meeting, he highlighted that it was an important step toward helping customers understand the ‘Eto’ system and address any lingering concerns.
“When our customers know how to navigate the system, they can avoid unnecessary delays, reduce frustration, and contribute to a more organised flow of trucks into the terminal,” he mentioned.
Earlier, the Head of Operations at Trucks Transit Parks, Irabor Akonoman, called on all truck operators to avoid soliciting customers on port access roads stressing that it is essential to reduce congestion and ensure smoother truck movement in and out of the ports.
APMT Apapa convened the forum, and Akonoman urged importers and exporters to track their trucks’ movements through the TTP website.
“We also encourage all importers and exporters to track their trucks’ movements through our website or by contacting our customer care team. Each truck is assigned a unique journey code that allows our staff to trace its booking details. With the journey code and truck particulars, we can inform you of the exact departure date from our facility,” Akonoman advised.
He maintained that once a truck exits the pre-gate, it has a 72-hour window to reach the port before its ticket expires adding that if a car fails to arrive at the port within this period, it should be promptly investigated.
Introduced by the NPA in February 2021, and managed by TTP, the electronic truck call-up system code-named, ‘Eto” was created to alleviate congestion at Nigeria’s busiest ports, including Apapa and Tincan Island Ports.
The system requires truck operators to book entry slots in advance, regulating the daily influx of trucks and addressing a longstanding challenge that has impacted port efficiency and increased logistics costs for importers and exporters.