The Lagos Ports, encompassing Apapa and Tincan Island Ports, are witnessing a resurgence in container traffic, but the electronic call-up system (Eto) designed to manage truck access is being undermined by pervasive racketeering. While the official cost of an Eto ticket is N20,750, freight agents are reportedly paying exorbitant amounts, reaching up to N400,000, to black marketers, fueling congestion and disorder on the port access roads. This illicit trade allows trucks with potentially fraudulent or mismatched Eto tickets to bypass the system, exacerbating the already strained infrastructure. The rampant racketeering negates the intended benefits of the Eto system, which was implemented to streamline cargo movement and alleviate the chronic traffic congestion plaguing the port access roads.
To combat this issue, Trucks Transit Park Limited (TTP), the managers of the Eto system, in collaboration with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Joint Association of Licensed Customs Agents (JALCA), launched a training program for stakeholders. The program aims to clarify the legitimate workings of the Eto system, dispel misinformation regarding ticket pricing, and empower customs agents to manage the booking process directly. The training emphasizes that no legitimate Eto ticket should exceed N20,750 and that each booking is accompanied by a verifiable receipt. By educating agents about the proper procedures and eliminating the reliance on intermediaries, TTP hopes to curb the opportunities for corruption and restore order to the port access roads.
The training also underscores the crucial role of customs agents in ensuring the efficient flow of goods through the ports. By handling bookings directly, agents gain greater control over truck movements and can monitor their progress in real-time, promoting transparency and accountability. This direct engagement with the system empowers agents to effectively challenge fraudulent practices and report any suspicious activity, further contributing to the overall integrity of the Eto system. The initiative aims to break the cycle of racketeering by empowering stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the system legally and efficiently.
However, the challenges facing the Lagos Ports extend beyond the racketeering of Eto tickets. Terminal operators have been accused of contributing to the congestion by deliberately slowing down operations, a tactic purportedly employed to inflate storage and demurrage charges levied on freight agents and their clients. This practice not only adds to the financial burden of importers but also exacerbates the logistical bottlenecks at the ports. The accusations underscore a complex web of systemic inefficiencies that hamper the smooth flow of cargo and contribute to the persistent congestion.
Stakeholder representatives, including the Joint Association of Licensed Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), have voiced their concerns about the prevailing situation. They have highlighted the need for a more robust and transparent Eto booking system, potentially linked directly to container numbers and Bills of Lading rather than truck license plates, to prevent manipulation. These recommendations underscore the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the system to address the root causes of the congestion and ensure the long-term efficiency of port operations.
The situation at the Lagos Ports highlights the critical need for collaborative action and ongoing monitoring. The success of the training program and the proposed reforms to the Eto system will depend on sustained commitment from all stakeholders, including TTP, NCS, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and truck drivers. Continuous oversight and enforcement are crucial to maintain the integrity of the system and prevent the resurgence of racketeering. A multifaceted approach, combining education, technological improvements, and stringent enforcement, is essential to achieve lasting improvements and ensure the efficient functioning of the Lagos Ports. Ultimately, the goal is to create a sustainable and transparent logistics system that facilitates trade and supports economic growth.
