Trucks Transit Parks Ltd. (TTP), on Thursday, announced a strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to deploy E-tag technology.
This initiative aims to address challenges related to non-compliance with standard operating procedures in the administration of the electronic call-up scheme, particularly concerning the Minimum Safety Standards (MSS), and to improve the ease of doing business for truckers and the maritime or blue economy.
The decision comes in the wake of the Managing Director of NPA endorsing the deployment of E-tag technology as a viable solution during an expanded stakeholders meeting convened recently.
The firm, however, stated that due to discussions with stakeholders and the NPA, TTP expressed commitment to shoulder the entire financial burden of the project.
Speaking, the managing director of TTP, Jama Onwubuariri, expressed the company’s commitment, saying the firm believed in the long-term sustainability of the port ecosystem.
“We are dedicated to investing hundreds of millions in this project, because we firmly believe in the long-term sustainability of the port ecosystem and are proud to partner with the NPA and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to deploy E-tag technology, paving the way for enhanced efficiency and security, and further enabling and easing the business environment for the nation.”
“Key highlights of the deployment agreement include that TTP will finance the entire deployment, alleviating any financial burden on truck owners and stakeholders. The initiative will cover all trucks accessing both Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, including industrial company trucks.
“The E-tag will be configured as an electronic secure tagging system with embedded MSS and other port compliance requirements can be securely embedded, replacing the need for tamper-susceptible paper MSS, and enabling real-time monitoring of truck safety status. Deployment will proceed upon formal approval to commence by the Authority,” the MD stated.
The firm, however, stated that it firmly believed that the adoption of RFID technology, coupled with the E-tag system, is essential to overcoming challenges and enhancing security and compliance measures within Nigerian ports.
