By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian ports sector has witnessed a significant transformation in recent times, thanks to the concerted efforts of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP).
The two organizations have collaborated to introduce a digital traffic management system that has greatly improved the efficiency of cargo movement in and out of the country’s ports.
Speaking at a press briefing held on Thursday at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, the President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAF) High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, recalled the “harrowing experiences” of port operators before the introduction of TTP’s Eto traffic management system.
Ezisi who was represented by the National General Secretary of NAGAFF,Fowdr.Gofrey Emeka Nwosu ,noted that the gridlock around the Lagos ports had crippled business activities, forced companies to shut down or relocate, and driven down property values in Apapa.
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He attributed the transformation in port operations to the digital traffic management system introduced by TTP under the supervision of the NPA.
Ezisi said that in less than two years, the once intractable gridlock started to ease, and port operators breathed a sigh of relief. According to him, NAGAFF’s Cargo Watch findings confirm that traffic management reforms have significantly reduced costs and delays.
The NAGAFF president disclosed that TTP has successfully processed about 2.7 million truck movements in the last 49 months, resulting in a 65% reduction in cargo transportation costs.
He also noted that truck turnaround time has dropped from 2-3 weeks in the pre-Eto era to less than three days, while cargo evacuation has improved from fewer than 50 trucks daily to more than 400 trucks.
Ezisi further noted that the reforms have boosted export trade by eliminating unnecessary delays, which previously compelled foreign buyers to demand performance bonds from Nigerian exporters.
He also revealed that real estate in Apapa has rebounded, with property values appreciating in recent years. Additionally, the Eto technology has created 225 direct jobs and empowered over 500 ancillary workers within the port environment.
While applauding the achievements of the NPA, TTP, and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Ezisi cautioned against complacency.
He urged the government to sustain and consolidate on the gains made, stressing that the government must develop the political will to monitor and ensure that the standards set by service providers like TTP are maintained.
Ezisi described TTP as a model of indigenous innovation, stressing that the company has proven Nigeria’s capacity to solve long-standing logistical challenges.
He therefore deserves continued support and encouragement. The event was attended by other members of the committee, including Dr. Arthur Igwilo, chairman, Special Facting Committee, President Emeritus, Dr. Increase Uche, and the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Clement Iwegbuna, among others.
In conclusion, Newspoint247 reports that NAGAFF’s commendation of the NPA and TTP is a testament to the success of the digital traffic management system in improving port efficiency.
As the government continues to consolidate on the gains made, it is expected that the ports will become even more efficient, reducing costs and delays for port operators and boosting the economy.
