NPA Highlights Major Milestones of E-Call Up System at Maritime Journalists Retreat.
NPA Highlights Major Milestones of E-Call Up System at Maritime Journalists Retreat.
….As Dantsoho Bags MARCOM Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lucky Akra
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has outlined significant achievements recorded under the electronic call-up system for trucks, known as ETO, during an address at the Nigeria Maritime Journalists Retreat organized by the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON).
This took place at De Maril Hotel,Lekki Free Zone,Lagos today Thursday 3rd of December, 2025 with the Theme:
Maximising Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Importand Export Trade.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Dantsoho who was duly represented by the Traffic Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Jimoh Anthony,said,”E-Call Up System introduced on February 27, 2021 has transformed access control and traffic management along the Apapa and Tin Can Port corridors which were previously plagued by chaotic truck movements,gridlock and several delays.
He noted that the system, conceived as a digital reform tool, has restored order, transparency, and predictability to port logistics while aligning Nigeria’s maritime operations with global standards.
Digital Milestones and Operational Gains
Dr. Dantsoho highlighted several key milestones achieved since the deployment of the ETO platform.
Foremost among them is the migration from manual truck scheduling to a fully digital system, which has eliminated human interference, reduced indiscriminate queues, and ensured only authorized trucks gain access to port areas.
Another significant milestone is the development of designated transit parks and pre-gate facilities managed by Truck Transit Parks (TTP). These facilities, he said, have become essential in maintaining structured truck movements and reducing roadside congestion.
According to him, measurable improvements in traffic flow along Apapa and Tin Can have been recorded, with truck turnaround times improving and illegal truck parks drastically reduced. He stressed that the era of chronic gridlock “will never be allowed to resurface.”
System Enhancements Strengthen Integrity
The NPA boss also announced recent½ enhancements introduced following a comprehensive review of the ETO framework.
A redesigned ETO ticketing architecture now links truck tickets directly to Terminal Delivery Orders (TDO) and Vehicle Entry Permits (VEP), improving traceability and eliminating fraudulent practices.
Additionally, terminal gate barriers have been fully integrated with the ETO system, meaning gates now open only after validating electronically authenticated tickets. This prevents unauthorized truck movements and reinforces sequencing and discipline across port operations.
Commitment to Sustained Reforms
Dr. Dantsoho emphasized that the E-Call Up System has evolved from an emergency intervention to a reliable digital logistics management tool delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, safety, and orderliness.
Reaffirming the NPA’s commitment, he pledged that the Authority will deepen reforms, safeguard operational gains, and ensure the port corridor never regresses into disorder.
“Our goal is clear,” he said. “To support Nigeria’s long-term trade facilitation objectives and strengthen our country’s global competitiveness.”
