By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted 8th September, 2025
The Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) has announced the commencement of preliminary operations of its reviewed Electronic Call-Up (ETO) system at the Apapa Port Complex, effective Monday.
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Disclosing this development, the Port Manager of Apapa Port, Mr. Deo Lawal, said the system had been comprehensively upgraded to align with global best practices and address loopholes that previously hampered efficiency at the port.
According to him, the review was necessary because trucks previously mixed up terminal routes due to the absence of proper control measures, which resulted in severe congestion and confusion within the port environment.
“The review ensures proper order. For instance, trucks designated for APMT cannot mistakenly access ENL terminal, as barriers are now automated with the ETO system,” Lawal explained.
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As part of the new framework, each of the five terminals at Apapa Port will now operate with distinct colour codes and serial numbers to prevent unauthorized truck movement. For example, APMT has been assigned Serial Number 001 with a blue colour code, while ENL Consortium has Serial Number 002 with an orange colour code.
The Port Manager noted that the reviewed policy would also end the issue of “crisscrossing” – a situation where trucks, especially those carrying empty or export containers, loitered within the port in search of alternative business opportunities.
Citing an internal analysis, Lawal revealed that ENL Consortium alone deploys about 100 trucks daily, though not all are required at the same time, hence the need for better scheduling to reduce unnecessary traffic.
Moving forward, he emphasized that all trucks must pass through government-approved transit parks before gaining entry into designated terminals.
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The ETO system, initially launched by the NPA in 2024, was designed to tackle congestion within the port and its immediate surroundings while boosting efficiency and ease of doing business.