In response to the escalating traffic challenges on the Apapa and Tin-Can Island port access roads, Trucks Transit Parks Limited (TTP) has urgently called for the deployment and execution of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)/E-tags and the Electronic Call-up Interchange Transaction Number (EITN). This proposal aims to streamline truck movements within the bustling Lagos ports.
This call was reiterated during a recent Stakeholders Engagement Forum convened at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) headquarters, dedicated to evaluating the effectiveness of the Electronic Call-up System amid the resurgence of traffic gridlock along the Apapa Port corridor.
Notable issues discussed at the forum encompassed a decline in terminal efficiency, contributing significantly to persistent gridlock at port corridors. Additionally, concerns were raised about the status of information technology infrastructural installations across park facilities, with some reportedly operating without meeting standard requirements.
The forum also underscored the importance of addressing wet cargo operations, stressing the necessity for an electronic call-up system for tanker operations to mitigate congestion. Truckers’ adherence to standard operating procedures for the E-call-up system was identified as a primary contributor to the congestion issue.
In response to these challenges, TTP proposed the deployment of E-tags, designed to enhance the existing electronic call-up system for Apapa and Tin Can ports. The E-tags, affixed to vehicle windshields, offer a seamless and automated approach to access control. Entry and exit gates equipped with E-tag readers integrate with the access barrier system, bolstering security and access control. The integration with the ètò solution is expected to streamline the truck scheduling process, resulting in benefits such as expedited cargo evacuation, reduced human interaction, improved security, and cost-effectiveness.
Jama Onwubuariri, Managing Director, and Co-founder of TTP underscored the pivotal role of deploying RFID/E-tags and EITN in addressing challenges faced in Lagos ports. He emphasized TTP’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce congestion, and create a seamless experience for stakeholders in the maritime sector.
Additionally, TTP recommended the implementation of EITN for Apapa and Tin Can Ports, describing it as a crucial transaction and traffic cycle correlation measure. This feature, aligned with its design, aims to increase the volume of legitimate bookings, diminish illegitimate traffic, and enhance transaction phase correlation. It is envisioned to better coordinate truck movements within ports, prevent criss-crossing between terminals, and support integrated security check activities.
