…As Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho Bags MARCON Lifetime Achievement Award**
NPA Highlights Gains of ETO System, Reaffirms Commitment to Congestion-Free Port Corridors
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a congestion-free port environment, spotlighting the sweeping improvements achieved through its E-Call Up System (ETO) for truck management across the nation’s port corridors.
This was disclosed by the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, during the All Nigerian Maritime Journalists Retreat organised by the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON). The event, themed “Maximising Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Import and Export Trade,” held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at De Marii Hotel, Lagos Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki.
Represented by Jimoh Anthony, Traffic Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Dr. Dantsoho described the ETO platform as a transformative digital innovation that has restored order, transparency, and predictability to truck operations, especially along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors.
From Chaos to Coordination: How ETO Reset Port Access Roads
According to the NPA Managing Director, the state of the port corridors before the ETO deployment was “chaotic and economically damaging,” with uncontrolled truck inflows, prolonged gridlock, indiscriminate roadside parking, and excessive dwell time undermining Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
He emphasized that the migration from manual call-up processes to a fully centralised digital truck scheduling platform marked a foundational shift that eliminated human interference and ensured only trucks with legitimate, authenticated reservations gained port access.
Dr. Dantsoho further highlighted the introduction of transit parks and pre-gate facilities, operated by Truck Transit Parks (TTP), as a major breakthrough. These facilities now serve as controlled holding locations where trucks undergo sequencing and pre-inspection, drastically reducing congestion on approach roads.
Measurable Impact: Road Congestion Drops, Turnaround Time Improves
The NPA CEO noted that the combination of digital scheduling, security collaboration, and improved oversight has significantly reduced gridlock, restored traffic sanity, and strengthened the efficiency of cargo evacuation processes.
“The persistent gridlock that once defined the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors has been drastically curtailed. We will never allow a return to that era,” he assured.
Strengthening the System: New Security Features and Gate Integration
Dr. Dantsoho disclosed that NPA has recently completed an extensive review of the ETO system to address loopholes exploited by fraudsters.
Key enhancements include:
- Redesigned ETO Tickets: Now digitally linked to the Terminal Delivery Order (TDO) and Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for full traceability.
- Ticket Security Upgrade: Prevents duplication, resale, or manipulation by unauthorized actors.
- Integration of Terminal Gate Barriers: Gates now open only after automatic validation of a legitimate ETO ticket, eliminating unauthorized entries and criss-crossing of trucks across terminals.
According to him, these new features reinforce discipline, reduce human interference, and align Nigerian ports with global best practices.
Stakeholder Engagement Remains Central to Success
Dr. Dantsoho emphasized that ongoing consultations with transport unions, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and regulatory agencies have ensured that the system remains adaptive and effective. Continuous feedback, he noted, has helped refine the platform and maintain high compliance levels.
NPA’s Long-Term Vision: Efficient, Safe, Globally Competitive Ports
He reiterated NPA’s unwavering resolve to deepen digital reforms, consolidate existing gains, and keep port corridors permanently congestion-free.
“Our goal is clear: to support Nigeria’s long-term trade facilitation agenda and elevate the global competitiveness of our ports,” he concluded.
Dantsoho Honored with MARCON Lifetime Achievement Award
In recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to port automation and modernisation, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho received the MARCON Lifetime Achievement Award. The maritime journalists’ body described him as a reform champion whose efforts have repositioned Nigerian ports as more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven gateways for global commerce.
The retreat brought together key players across the maritime sector to explore how new technologies can be harnessed to drive sustainable import and export growth in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) highlights major successes of its E-Call Up System, reaffirming its commitment to congestion-free port corridors. MD Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho outlines key reforms, unveils new security enhancements, and receives the MARCON Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to port efficiency and automation.
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