Maritime Transporters Pull Out of NPA’s ETO, Says System Failed
By Abimbola Abdullah
Maritime Transporters under the aegis of Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Association (COMTUA) have declared their decision to desist from participating in the call-up system (ETO) of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) through the Truck Transit Park Limited (TTP), citing the failure of the system.
The group in a letter to the Managing Director, NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, said its members shall discontinue the use of call-up from 7th of April, 2025.
The letter dated 19th March, 2025 was also copied to the Governor, Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo Olu; Minister, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; The Attorney-General of Nigeria, Lateef Fagbemi, the Nigerian Police and other stakeholders in the system.
Signed by its National President, Adeyinka Aroyewun, COMUTUA said, “This decision has been made pending the determination of the suit with suit number FHC/L/CS/545/2025, which was filed with the Federal High Court in Lagos by some of our members unbehalf of our association.
“As you are aware, the call-up system has not been effective in managing traffic and congestion at the ports, leading to significant delays and inefficiencies in the transportation of goods.
“Despite our efforts to work with the NPA to address these issues, the system has continued to fail, causing disruption to our operations and impacting our members’ livelihoods.
“Therefore, we have no choice but to suspend our participation in the call-up system until the court has ruled on the matter.
“We shall obey all traffic rules on the road leading to the port, however, we shall discontinue the use of call-up from 7th of April, 2025.
“We shall sensitise our members and orientate ourselves on the use of ports assess road without causing congestion.
“We believe that this is the only way to ensure that our business is not destroyed beyond what it is now.
“We understand that this decision may cause inconvenience, but we hope that you will appreciate the importance of resolving these issues for the benefit of all stakeholders in the maritime transport sector.
“We remain committed to working with the NPA to find a solution that will improve efficiency and productivity at the ports,” he stated.
