Apapa Gridlock: Oyetola sets up committee to review e-call system

Marine and Blue Economy minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, has initiated a move to address the persistent Apapa gridlock by establishing a committee to review the E-call up system. 

The minister met with stakeholders in Lagos to discuss measures aimed at eliminating the current abuse of the system.

In a press statement released today Wednesday December 20, 2023, the minister’s spokesman, Ismail Omipidan, revealed the government’s commitment to tackling the challenges associated with truck traffic management along the Lagos port corridor. 

The newly formed committee is tasked with reviewing the Standard Operating Procedures for Truck Traffic Management and proposing effective solutions.

The committee is scheduled to convene with key stakeholders in Lagos on Thursday to gather input and insights for the comprehensive review. 

The Minister emphasised the need to scrutinize potential abuses of the E-call up system, stating that the objective is to ensure an abuse-free environment.

The E-call up system was introduced by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in February 2021 to streamline the entry process for trucks at the Lagos Ports. 

However, recent reports have raised concerns about potential compromises in its functionality.

“I have a number of suggestions on how I believe the system can be strengthened. But I want inputs from the stakeholders. This is why I have set up this committee to interface with the service provider and other stakeholders in the industry to come up with a best way of dealing decisively with the saboteurs,” stated Oyetola.

The move reflects a proactive approach by the government to engage with industry players and address challenges in the transportation and logistics sector. 

The outcome of the committee’s review is anticipated to contribute to the improvement of the E-call up system, fostering a more efficient and abuse-resistant mechanism for managing truck traffic in the Apapa region.