By Abubakar Yunusa
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has ordered the immediate suspension of truck processing through virtual parks on the Eto platform.
The management of NPA, through its partner, Truck Transit Parks (TTP) Ltd, announced the development in Lagos on Wednesday.
In February 2021, the NPA introduced an electronic system to remove human interference in the process of calling up trucks to the ports.
The call-up platform, dubbed Eto, was deployed for the scheduling, entry and exit of trucks into the ports.
Speaking on the new directive, Irabor Akonoman, head of operations of the Truck Transit Park (TTP) Ltd, said the suspension is part of efforts to streamline and optimise the operational processes within the port ecosystem.
“Therefore, the operation of all virtual parks on the eto platform is halted effective immediately and shall remain so until further notice,” he said.
“All trucks arriving the ports shall have emanated from an NPA approved physical truck park, pre-gate or export processing terminal without exception.
“Kindly note that all categories including Reefers containers & Fish trucks will continue to have unhindered access to the port but will go through an approved park before coming to the ports.”
Akonoman said the directive may cause some adjustments in stakeholders’ operations, thereby seeking “your cooperation and understanding”.
He added that cooperation and understanding during the period of evaluation and adjustment are greatly appreciated, “as we collectively work towards improving and enhancing the efficiency of our port operations”.
