As part of its commitment to address critical issues impacting the maritime sector, the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has announced a breakfast meeting specifically focused on the challenges and potential solutions surrounding the Eto call-up system for trucks.
The event, scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Rockview Hotel in Apapa, aims to gather key stakeholders and industry leaders to collaboratively explore pathways towards a more efficient and streamlined port transportation system.
Despite its initial promise of improving port operations, the Eto call-up system has faced mounting criticism. MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, acknowledges the system’s good intentions but highlights growing concerns. “There have been severe criticisms with some operators alleging that the system has exacerbated the traffic crisis and facilitated corruption and extortion,” he states in a press release.
Stakeholders have expressed concerns about the platform deviating from its original purpose, morphing into a revenue generation tool rather than facilitating smoother cargo movement. This sentiment reflects anxieties about a potential return to the pre-Hadiza Bala-Usman era, characterized by inefficiencies and bottlenecks.
Committed to its role as a watchdog and agenda-setter, Bivbere stated that MARAN is organizing this breakfast meeting to provide a platform for open dialogue and constructive solutions.
“Topical issues will include the government’s efforts through agencies like the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to combat these challenges, as well as the role stakeholders can play,” Additionally, promising solutions like the introduction of e-tag trucks will be explored.
The event intends to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including: The Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola, representatives from NPA, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Shipping Companies and Terminal Operators Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN)Truck Transit Parks and Trucking Associations like LASTCOC, NARTO, AMATO, and NAMTOP Freight Forwarding Associations like ANLCA and NAGAFF
Through this inclusive approach, MARAN said it hopes to foster a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and collaboratively generate effective solutions.
“Ultimately, the goal is to ensure a more efficient and transparent Eto call-up system that benefits all stakeholders within the maritime sector, contributing to a more positive and productive environment for Nigerian maritime operations”.
