Stakeholders unite against e-call-up racketeering at ports

Container traffic is gradually returning to the Lagos Ports axis, including the Apapa and Tincan Island Ports, findings by The PUNCH show.

This is even as the Trucks Transit Park Limited, managers of the Electronic Call-up System introduced by the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, and licensed agents, have moved to tackle the racketeering of the Eto call-up system, which is causing congestion and disorder along the Lagos port access roads.

Findings showed that while the official cost of an Eto ticket is N20,750, freight agents are now paying up to N400,000 to black marketers while trucks are lined up at the port access roads, causing traffic.

In a bid to tackle the persistent racketeering surrounding the Eto Call-up system, TTP, in collaboration with the Apapa Area Command of the NCS and the Joint Association of Licensed Customs Agents, on Wednesday, launched a training programme to sensitise key stakeholders on the workings of the call-up system.

Speaking during the training in Apapa, the Coordinating Secretary of the Joint Association of Licensed Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders, Dominic Chukwuemeka, decried the rampant racketeering surrounding the Eto e-call-up system, blaming it for the persistent congestion and disorder along the Apapa port access roads.

While acknowledging that the Eto system was designed to streamline cargo movement and eliminate chaos, he noted that fraudulent practices had undermined its effectiveness.

“Officially, Eto is N20,750, but due to racketeering, it now costs N250,000, N350,000, even N400,000 depending on demand. That’s the situation we find ourselves in,” he stated.

He revealed that many of the trucks causing gridlock have acquired fake or mismatched Eto tickets, often using different plate numbers to game the system.

“Some truckers remove their original plate numbers and attach fake ones that match the ticket just to get through the port gate. After loading, they switch back. That’s how bad it is,” he explained.

He added that the association is pushing for a new reform in the Eto booking system, where tickets are tied directly to the container number and Bill of Laden, rather than a truck’s license plate.

The Head of Operations, TTP, Irabor Akonoman, addressed the misinformation circulating among stakeholders regarding ticket prices for port access.

He said people have been misled into believing tickets are sold for N200,000 or even N500,000, clarifying that on the ETO system, “no ticket exceeds N20,750, as every booking is accompanied by a verifiable receipt.”

He said, unfortunately, many of them are still unfamiliar with the e-call-up and booking processes despite being directly affected by them, noting that this training is to close that gap.

Akonoman said the training was to empower customs agents with knowledge and practical skills related to the e-call-up system and booking procedures.

He explained that customs-licensed agents are essential gatekeepers in port logistics, as they facilitate truck movement into and out of the ports.

“When agents do the bookings themselves and issue tickets directly to transporters, they will know exactly where their trucks are and how long they have been there. It creates transparency and improves efficiency across the board,” Akonoman said.

Earlier, the Apapa Chapter Chairman of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Eze Uchendu, decried the inefficiencies of some terminal operators in facilitating the movement of cargo.

He stated that possessing an Eto call-up ticket is no longer a guarantee for accessing the port.

Uchendu further accused terminal operators of deliberately slowing down operations to increase storage and demurrage charges, leading to huge financial losses for freight agents and their clients.

Also speaking, the Apapa Chapter Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Mr Chukumalu Emeka, expressed frustration with certain terminal operators and uncoordinated truck drivers who have contributed to the chaos at port access roads.

The ANLCA chairman added that the current training aims to sanitise the port access system and eliminate the manipulation and racketeering that have plagued the logistics chain.

“With this training, we are setting the record straight. We are working with enforcement to ensure that traffic on the access road is eliminated. The goal is that if you have no business at the port, you stay off the road,” Emeka noted.

He further explained the intended post-training procedure, stressing that once a freight forwarder has obtained their ETO ticket, they should liaise directly with TTP to engage a truck.

Emeka said once the truck is assigned and cleared with the necessary documents like the Bill of Laden, it should go straight into the port without any delay or obstruction.