The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has collaborated with the Lagos State Government to introduce a truck call-up system, also known as “eto ca up,” along the Lekki-Epe corridor, aiming to enhance the ease of doing business at the nation’s premier deep seaport.
This decision was made following a meeting attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the NPA, Lagos State Government, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Lekki Deep Seaport, Pinnacle Oil and Gas, and Dangote Refinery.
The primary objective of the truck call-up system is to manage the increasing traffic congestion in the Lekki port corridor. Addressing stakeholders at a meeting held at Lekki Free Zone Development, Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Seun Osiyemi, expressed the urgency in addressing the traffic situation caused by indiscriminate parking of container trucks and tankers along the corridor.
Osiyemi emphasized that the government cannot afford to delay the management of traffic issues any longer, highlighting the need for immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the situation. He also mentioned the government’s consideration of utilizing waterways to evacuate bulk, dry, and liquid cargo from the port as part of the solution.
In his statement, Osiyemi underscored the importance of proactive measures, stating, “That is the only way we can get to the promised land; if we wait for government, what happens is that the longer we wait, the more moribund this place becomes.” The deployment of the truck call-up system is expected to streamline operations at the Lekki port and improve efficiency in cargo handling, ultimately contributing to the facilitation of trade and commerce in the region.
