Mr. Hassan Bello, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), has urged users of the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) Electronic-call up system for trucks to give it a chance to thrive.
He stated this during a meeting with executives and members of the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) in Lagos State.
He said he is pleased with the NPA’s recently implemented e-call-up system for trucks, which is now operational.
“I urge observers, analysts, and users to give it a chance; they should work with the NPA by adopting the e-call-up system and help clear our roads,” he stated.
“Some people said they saw trucks everywhere, but Bello said they should realize that if they don’t see trucks in Apapa, the country will be in trouble.
“Trucks must be present; we want the port to be orderly. Stakeholders need to know that the truck e-call-up system is working and will continue to work, and that NPA is on top of things,” he said.
Bello said they were looking into the issue of terminal operators and shipping firms not cooperating and adhering to the e-call-up system’s terms of agreement.
He said the council had met with some shipping companies and inspected their equipment, assuring that the operation in the loading areas, would be ongoing.
“What people don’t realize is that ships are always in operation in ports, and these are massive ships that you see every day.
“We are aware of all the standards that we have established, and they must be adhered to; substantial compliance with NSC standards, particularly in terms of holding bay maintenance, cargo dwell time, and digitization of these terminals.
“We are working every day to ensure that things will work with an effective regulatory framework,” he said.
Remember that the NPA’s e-call-up system went into effect on February 27th, with the goal of finding a long-term solution to the problem of truck congestion in Apapa and its environs.
