By Oluyinka Onigbinde & Joshua Yousouph
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has defended the delay in renewing the concession agreement with Truck Transit Parks (TTP), operator of the electronic call-up system (ETO), stating that the ongoing process is deliberately structured to produce a more robust, transparent, and sustainable operational framework for port logistics.
Speaking on the development, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said the Authority is undertaking a comprehensive review of the existing arrangement to address stakeholder concerns and strengthen the system for improved efficiency going forward.
Onyemekara described the ETO system as a landmark intervention introduced to address the chronic congestion that once crippled port operations and economic activities around Apapa.
According to him, the platform significantly improved traffic flow, restored order to truck movements, and enhanced access to the ports. He highlighted real-life experiences of commuters who can now navigate routes into Apapa with ease—an outcome that was nearly impossible before the system was introduced.
“No one can wish away the impact of the ETO system. It addressed major bottlenecks in the logistics chain and improved mobility within the port corridor,” he said.
While confirming that the concession agreement with TTP has elapsed, Onyemekara emphasized that built-in provisions within the contract have ensured continuity of operations.
He explained that rather than allowing a shutdown of the system at expiration, the agreement предусes a transition mechanism that keeps the platform running while both parties undertake a detailed review.
“You would have said that once the contract expires, everything stops—but that is not the case. The system is still running because provisions were made for continuity,” he noted.
The ongoing review, according to the NPA, is aimed at assessing the full lifecycle of the concession—examining performance, identifying gaps, and determining areas for improvement.
Onyemekara acknowledged that stakeholders had raised various concerns during the implementation phase, ranging from operational challenges to expectations from both the Authority and the concessionaire.
“This is an opportunity to look at all the complaints and observations, what TTP did, what NPA did, and what could have been done better, so that we can build a stronger framework going forward,” he said.
He stressed that the review is a formal and legal process being handled jointly by the NPA and TTP, and its outcome will determine the future structure of the ETO system.
A key assurance from the Authority is that port operations will not be affected during this period.
Onyemekara reiterated that maintaining operational stability remains a top priority, especially given the critical role of the ETO system in regulating truck traffic and supporting port efficiency.
“The most important thing is that operations will not be disrupted. The system will continue to function while the review is ongoing,” he assured.
Although the final decision on the concession renewal is yet to be announced, Onyemekara hinted strongly that the NPA intends to retain and improve the system, given its proven effectiveness.
He also noted that the success of the ETO model has encouraged similar initiatives elsewhere, further validating its relevance.
“At the end of the review, the Nigerian Ports Authority will come up with a renewed position. It is a system that has worked, and we are looking at how to make it even better,” he stated that such decisions would depend on the outcome of the review and the willingness of both parties to continue the partnership.
He also pointed out that, as with any concession, either party reserves the right to disengage, which could open the door for new arrangements if necessary.
