Stakeholders and licensed customs agents operating at the Eastern Ports have called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to overhaul the E-call up system to enhance its efficiency.
The group made their position known during a media briefing held on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
The resolution was jointly signed by Mr Innocent Akuvue- President National Shippers Association of Nigeria, Mr Joshua Ahuama- Zonal Coordinator Eastern Association of Nigeria Customs Agents.
Others included, Mr Emeka Nwosu- National Vice Chairman, Council of Managing Directors of Customs Licensed Agents amongst others.
The E-call up system, also known as the Eto ticket, was introduced by the NPA to regulate truck movements and ease congestion at Lagos ports, particularly Tin Can and Apapa.
However, the stakeholders expressed concerns over plans to replicate the model at the Eastern Ports—namely Onne, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Warri—citing a lack of necessary infrastructure for the system’s effective implementation.
They urged the Federal Government to address infrastructure deficits in the region, particularly by fast-tracking the completion of the East-West Road.
They also called for policy reforms aimed at strengthening the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone to bolster the nation’s economy.
The group also criticised the current implementation of the E-call up system at Lagos Ports, citing widespread racketeering and disorder.
According to them, the Eto ticket, which officially costs N20,750, is often sold on the black market for as much as N400,000, with freight forwarders still forced to pay the inflated rate due to lack of alternatives.
“The E-call up system has been marred by corruption and disorder at the Lagos Ports,” they said.
“The ports continue to suffer from persistent congestion due to poor coordination. Truckers now face extended delays and incur additional fees at loading bays.”
They further stated that the system had yet to demonstrate any significant value addition to port operations, as it lacked clarity in cargo movement and logistics.
“There is an urgent need for a systems overhaul to accommodate and boost port operations across all regions,” the group said.
The group, however, commended the operational model of the Eastern Ports, noting that it had promoted efficiency and improved the ease of doing business in the region.
