Apapa and Tin Can Island ports have long suffered from severe truck congestion and delays.
Since 2021, Truck Transit Parks Ltd (TTP) has actively tackled this chaos by introducing technology.
Specifically, TTP developed the Nigeria Ports Authority’s electronic truck call-up system, Eto, to streamline cargo movement.
Tackling Ports Congestion
Moreover, the company has invested ₦4.2 billion to improve efficiency and reduce gridlock at the ports.
TTP’s co-founder, Jama Onwubuariri, said the company spent ₦ 2.4 billion during the first 20 months.
Consequently, Eto cut cargo costs by 65% and reduced truck turnaround time to three days.
Over 57 months, the system handled more than three million truck journeys, demonstrating its impact.
Challenges On The Roads
However, drivers sometimes evade identity checks, use fake or swapped number plates, and block roads.
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Furthermore, they occasionally search for replacement cargo, worsening congestion despite Eto’s progress.
Also, the system’s 48-hour validity tickets cannot prevent bribes or extortion, which drivers exploit.
During festive seasons, cargo volume surges, and traffic becomes heavier, challenging TTP’s management.
Innovative Solutions
To address this, TTP awaits regulatory approval for a ₦200 million tamper-proof E-tag for each truck.
The E-tag will link trucks to assigned parks using geolocation, preventing unauthorised port entry.
As a result, digital queues now match physical queues, which frees roads and improves traffic flow.
Additionally, TTP implemented the E-call up Interchange Transaction Number, tying cargo to a specific truck.
Therefore, terminals can only load the truck that originally booked the cargo, stopping theft.
Even last-minute rerouting fails because the system enforces correct truck-to-cargo matching at every terminal.
Moreover, the company plans to spend more to enhance technology and strengthen the system further.
Onwubuariri explained that the first five years serve as a pilot phase before nationwide expansion.
Ultimately, Eto promises smoother journeys, fewer delays, and a vision for modernised Nigerian ports.
