Abiodun JIMOH
For years, truckers navigating Lagos’ congested port access roads faced an entrenched extortion scheme. Before the introduction of the Electronic Call-Up System (ETO), access to the ports often came at a steep, unofficial price—N250,000 to N300,000 per truck. This system of bribes, sustained by both private actors and complicit government officials, turned chaotic traffic into a lucrative business. Now, those who once thrived on these illicit earnings are pushing back against ETO, seeking to undermine its effectiveness.
The Managing Director of Trucks Transit Parks (TTP), Jama Onwubuariri, revealed the extent of the resistance during a meeting with the Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) in Lagos. According to him, the port congestion crisis worsened after the 2006 port concessioning, which saw container stacking take over spaces previously used for temporary truck parking. This led to long tailbacks, which corrupt elements exploited for financial gain. Attempts to resolve the problem through ad hoc government task forces failed, necessitating a long-term, technology-driven solution.
Introduced in February 2021, the ETO app was designed as a digital queue system, ensuring that only trucks with legitimate business at the port could access the roads at scheduled times. The application considers factors such as booking time, cargo type, and terminal readiness, effectively eliminating the informal pay-to-enter system. However, those who profited from the old system—including some within government agencies—are resisting the transition. These individuals use bureaucratic bottlenecks to delay approvals for ETO-related innovations, while others attempt to sabotage the system outright.
Despite these challenges, TTP has continued to refine ETO, implementing over 160 upgrades since its launch. These updates have enhanced security, streamlined operations, and addressed real-time feedback from port operators. The federal government has expressed satisfaction with the system’s progress, yet the pushback from entrenched interests highlights the ongoing battle between reform and corruption at Nigeria’s busiest ports.
