Apparently responding to allegations of parking ticket racketeering and sundry abuses of its services, Trucks Transit Park (TTP) has introduced compulsory display of number plates of trucks on their cabins.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the firm which operates the electronic call up system disclosed that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has approved the implementation of this directive, effective 29th of November 2023.
Confirming the abuses, TTP added that, “this initiative is a critical step to enhance the efficiency of the ètò electronic call-up system, addressing issues such as ticket racketeering and identity theft by certain transporter agents, truckers and other unscrupulous elements within the ecosystem”.
It also acknowledged that the challenges constitute “significant obstacles to effective traffic management within the port ecosystem. As a result, compliance with this directive is essential for improved security and operational efficiency within the port premises”.
“Starting from Wednesday, the 29th of November, all trucks entering the port premises must prominently display their plate numbers on both the cabins and bonnets. Failure to strictly adhere to this directive will result in necessary sanctions, including the refusal of access to the port. We kindly request your utmost cooperation and prompt compliance to avoid any inconvenience or interruptions in your operations”.
Shipping Position Daily had reported recently that the Lagos Ports access roads continued to be mired in a persistent quagmire of extortion and corruption, even as the electronic Call-up booking system code-named “Eto” is being exploited by unscrupulous actors in the logistic chain.
Our correspondents had gathered that the core of the issue lies in the highly entrenched culture of bribery and illicit payments where the electronic call-up system designed to streamline the entry of trucks into the ports is being abused as corrupt officials demand substantial sums to circumvent the process.
The truckers disclosed that a system of intermediaries has emerged, whereby individuals book the eto numbers, then sell the booking and their vehicle plate numbers to truck owners seeking to avoid the long queues. According to them, the prices are negotiable, depending on the urgency and demand.
They also revealed that some individuals fraudulently procure multiple eto booking numbers, which they book with trucks and then provide to the highest bidder.
