Lagos, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- THE Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) have agreed to deepen collaboration on the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) system and the management of Apapa and Tin Can Island port access roads to eliminate traffic congestion, improve cargo evacuation and enhance the ease of doing business at Nigeria’s seaports.
The renewed partnership was reached during a strategic meeting between the Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, and members of ANLCA’s National Executive Committee, led by the association’s National President, Chief Emenike Nwokeoji, at the Authority’s headquarters in Lagos.
The engagement comes as the NPA intensifies consultations with industry stakeholders to sustain improvements in port efficiency and address the re-emergence of traffic bottlenecks along the Lagos port corridors.
Speaking at the meeting, Dantsoho stressed that closer collaboration with port users and stakeholders is essential to improving logistics efficiency and ensuring the seamless movement of cargo through Nigeria’s busiest ports.
He said the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) system has played a significant role in restoring order to truck traffic around the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports but noted that increasing cargo volumes now require a more resilient and efficient operational framework.
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According to him, the Authority is committed to reviewing and strengthening the ETO platform to improve transparency, operational efficiency and compliance, while complementing ongoing investments in port infrastructure and logistics modernisation.
Dantsoho also commended the management teams of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports for their contributions to the recent recognition of both facilities among the World Bank’s Top 20 Most Improved Ports, describing the feat as evidence that reforms under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda are delivering measurable outcomes.
He added that Nigeria’s growing influence within the global maritime industry—evidenced by its emergence as President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) and Vice President for Africa of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH)—demonstrates the country’s commitment to global best practices in port administration.
Responding, ANLCA National President, Chief Emenike Nwokeoji, commended the NPA for its ongoing reforms and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve port efficiency and facilitate trade.
He called for greater participation by licensed customs brokers in the administration of the ETO platform, arguing that their involvement would strengthen transparency, improve oversight and help eliminate racketeering, extortion and unnecessary delays in cargo movement.
Nwokeoji also pledged ANLCA’s support for the multi-agency task force recently established to monitor truck traffic and respond promptly to disruptions along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port access corridors.
Both organisations agreed to institutionalise regular consultations and closer operational collaboration to improve the performance of the ETO system, optimise truck scheduling, accelerate cargo evacuation and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports.
The renewed partnership aligns with the NPA’s broader strategy to modernise port operations, reduce logistics costs and position Nigerian ports as more efficient gateways for regional and international trade.
