Efforts to alleviate the persistent traffic congestion in Apapa and enhance the effectiveness of the E-call up system have been activated by Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

Oyetola recently established a specialized committee mandated to reassess the E-call up system, aiming to mitigate the prevailing abuses and ensure a more streamlined and effective traffic management process.

The minister’s spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan, revealed that Oyetola’s decision to form this committee stems from the need to rectify the ongoing malpractices within the E-call up system.

The minister expressed a firm commitment to eradicating any human-induced abuse that might compromise the efficiency of the system, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive solutions to ensure its abuse-free operation.

The newly formed committee has been tasked with a critical review of the Standard Operating Procedures governing Truck Traffic Management specifically along the Lagos port corridor.

Omipidan confirmed that the committee is scheduled to convene in Lagos on Thursday for comprehensive discussions with key stakeholders, signaling a commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing the systemic challenges.

Highlighting the purpose of this review initiative, Oyetola stressed the necessity of gathering diverse inputs from relevant stakeholders to bolster the current E-call up system. He emphasized the importance of stakeholders’ contributions, asserting that their insights and suggestions would be pivotal in fortifying the system against deliberate disruptions.

The E-call up system, introduced by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in February 2021, was designed to enable trucks at the Lagos Ports to book appointments for entry, effectively managing the flow of traffic. However, recent reports have raised concerns about potential vulnerabilities within the system, prompting the need for a comprehensive evaluation.

“I have recommendations on how to fortify the system, but I value the input of all stakeholders. This committee’s primary task is to engage with the service provider and industry stakeholders to devise effective strategies against deliberate system compromises,” stated the minister, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in combating these challenges.

The committee’s initiative reflects a concerted drive by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to engage all stakeholders in a collective effort to enhance the functionality of the E-call up system, ultimately aiming to alleviate the notorious Apapa gridlock and establish a more efficient traffic management framework.