Clampdown on Truck Congestion: NPA Deploys Electronic Barrier System, Truckers and Freight Forwarders React

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has taken another bold step in its drive to decongest Lagos ports by introducing the Electronic Barrier System (EBS). This new innovation builds on the Eto Electronic Call-Up platform, which was launched to tackle the chaotic truck traffic around Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports.

The EBS is designed to complement the call-up system by regulating truck entry through automated barriers, ensuring only vehicles duly scheduled and cleared can access port premises. By doing so, the NPA hopes to eliminate cases of illegal truck movement, enhance transparency, and reduce human interference in the process.

Speaking on the rollout, the NPA stated that the system will “strengthen accountability, improve truck coordination, and boost overall productivity within the nation’s busiest ports.”

Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
Truck drivers and freight forwarders have welcomed the initiative but remain cautiously optimistic about its long-term success.

For Mr. Ibrahim Musa, a trucker who has worked in Apapa for more than a decade, the EBS could finally bring relief from years of frustration.

“If this works the way NPA is promising, it will save us the daily struggle of waiting endlessly at port gates. Many of us spend nights on the road because of poor coordination. We just want a fair and transparent system that doesn’t drain our time and money,” he said.

Freight forwarders also see potential in the new system. Mrs. Gloria Nwachukwu, a licensed freight forwarder, noted that a reliable traffic management solution could reduce cargo evacuation delays and lower costs for importers.

“Every delay at the ports adds to the cost of doing business. The electronic call-up system was a good start, but loopholes still allowed for manipulation. If the barrier system truly blocks trucks without clearance, then efficiency will improve, and cargo owners will feel the impact,” she explained.

However, some stakeholders raised concerns about implementation and sustainability. Mr. Adewale Johnson, a member of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), emphasized the need for constant monitoring.

“Technology is only as good as the people managing it. If corruption creeps in again, the EBS will fail like other past interventions. We urge NPA to be firm and ensure nobody circumvents the system,” he cautioned.

Commitment to Modernization
For the NPA, the introduction of the EBS underscores its commitment to using technology to modernize Nigeria’s maritime sector. Officials believe the initiative will not only decongest ports but also reinforce Nigeria’s competitiveness in West Africa’s shipping trade.

Industry observers say the coming weeks will determine how effectively the system can withstand real-world challenges, especially during peak cargo inflows.