The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has intensified efforts to advance the Port Community System (PCS) as it undertakes a comprehensive review of the Electronic Call-Up System (ETO), a traffic management solution introduced to ease congestion in the Apapa port corridor.
Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday, NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described ETO as a critical intervention that addressed persistent disruptions in port logistics. Developed in partnership with Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP), the system created a structured framework for truck scheduling and port access, significantly improving traffic flow and reducing gridlock.
Represented by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, Dantsoho noted that travel times into Apapa have improved markedly, with previously clogged routes now more accessible.
With the initial ETO contract expired, the Authority is conducting a detailed assessment to identify operational gaps, address stakeholder concerns, and strengthen efficiency. Dantsoho stressed that such reviews are routine and necessary for sustainability, adding that interim arrangements keep the system operational to avoid disruptions.
The ongoing review, carried out with TTP, is expected to produce a refined operational model aligned with NPA’s broader digitalisation agenda. At the centre of this agenda is the PCS — an integrated platform designed to harmonise multiple standalone systems into a single interface, enabling seamless data exchange, improved coordination, and enhanced efficiency.
Dantsoho explained that the PCS reflects global best practices, where interoperability among stakeholders drives transparency and operational excellence. While acknowledging minor integration challenges, he expressed confidence that collaboration among stakeholders will resolve them.
On concession renewals, the NPA boss confirmed that several agreements have expired but said the Federal Government is prioritising a thorough review before granting renewals. He assured operators that interim extensions signal government’s commitment to stability while reforms are concluded.
He further noted the complexities of deploying digital platforms such as ETO and PCS in emerging corridors like Lekki, where multiple stakeholders share operational control. Unlike Apapa, implementation in Lekki requires broader alignment between private investors and government institutions.
Dantsoho assured that port operations will continue seamlessly throughout the review period, expressing optimism that the outcome will consolidate ETO’s gains while ushering in a more integrated and efficient system under the PCS framework. He added that the next phase of digital transformation will position Nigeria’s ports for greater efficiency, stronger stakeholder collaboration, and enhanced global competitiveness.