Apapa Traffic: Firm Reduces Truck Turnaround Time From 28 To 3 Days

The operators of the Electronic Call-up system introduced by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to decongest the Lagos ports access road, Truck Transit Park (TTP) Limited, on Monday, said duration that trucks spend to go in and out of the ports has drastically reduced from about two weeks to about three days.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP over the weekend, the head of operation, TTP, Irabor Akonoman, said the TTP has reduced the cost of accessing the port and corruption on the port access road.

He, however, disclosed that the report that the electronic Call-up platform collapsed is inaccurate and false.

“We wish to clarify that the assertion relating the build-up of trucks on the bridge and the conversion of Lilypond facility to an export terminal as reasons for the perceived collapse of the e-call up system is inaccurate. The e-call up system, as developed and managed by TTP, has been functioning efficiently.”

He continued that, “our monitoring and data analytics indicated that the system is fully operational and meeting the stipulated criteria for its intended purpose. The main challenge we are currently experiencing arises from certain terminals, not accommodating an adequate number of trucks per day.”

“Eto is working as designed, effectively scheduling the movement of trucks in and out of the ports. Our scheduling system has caused an evident drastic reduction in traffic along the Apapa and Tincan port corridors.

“In fact, the duration that trucks spend to go in and out of the ports has drastically reduced from about two weeks to about 3 days, added to the success of the call up is the reduction in the cost of accessing the ports, unlike in the past where palms had to be greased before trucks could access the ports.”

Akomoman further stated that, for smooth flow of traffic on the port access roads, terminal must process 1,500 trucks daily.

To him, “For an efficient intake of trucks and smooth flow through the road corridor, it is essential for terminals in Apapa to process approximately 1500 trucks daily. Unfortunately, this threshold has not been met, thus leading to the observed congestion and subsequent misconceptions about the e-call up system’s effectiveness.

“We are proactively working on solutions and are in constant dialogue with terminal operators to ensure they bolster their capacities. We understand the critical importance of ensuring a smooth truck flow, and while our system is working as intended, we also believe that the overall efficiency can be enhanced when all stakeholders, including terminals, enhance their operations.”

“All of these results are verifiable. With our continuous engagement with terminal operators and other relevant stakeholders, these issues would be adequately addressed and put to rest shortly,” he stated.