Headlines

COMTUA, NPA on war path over directive to put Agro-Export trucks on ETO system

Bello-Koko, NPA MD

—-warns of damaging consequences if policy implemented

The Eyewitness reporter

The Council of Maritime Transport Unions And Associations(COMTUA), an amalgamation of all truck owners in the maritime industry, has declared its total rejection of the directive of the Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) to put all agro-exports trucks on the ETO system.

In its circular to the Trucks Transit Parks(TTP), the firm handling the Eto Electronic Call-Up system at the ports, the NPA has directed that from May 2nd, 2023, all the agro-exports trucks should be routed through the Export Processing Terminals (EPTs), using the to platform.

The NPA has said that the policy is meant to enhance the efficient movement of agro-export boxes to the ports by eliminating all bottlenecks earlier associated with such movement.

But COMTUA, in a letter dated Friday, April 28th, 2023 and addressed to the Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-KoKo, the association said it rejects the policy in its entirety as it portends damaging consequences to the industry.

The truckers, in the letter, signed by the President of COMTUA, Mr. Adeyinka Aroyewun, claimed that the policy, which they accused NPA of formulating to enrich few individuals in the industry, will lead to double handling, delays, loss of jobs and wages, and double charging for call-up, as opposed to the possible claim of creation of more opportunities.

”We refer to a circular trending on the ETO platform and wish to tender our council’s complete rejection of the directive, as wrong, utterly biased, and possibly to negate the progress of the industry.

”This directive said to have emanated from your office as suggested in the circular, claims it would produce efficiency and seamless movement in the agro-export movement.

”In all the explanations peddled on the platform, they failed to adequately address the negative impact the policy would have on the system.

”From our studies, experience, and investigations, the policy only compromised the realities on the ground in the system it pretends to assist.

”Among the many challenges would be the economic implications of double handling, delays, loss of jobs and wages, double charging for call up, as opposed to the possible claim of creation of more opportunities.

”It may baffle one why the short notice for such a significant transition. We wonder if proper and due consultations were carried out or is it another way to burden the trucking family the more?

”Regrettably, we are afraid, the formulators of most of these contentious policies, neither consulted nor sat with sincere and genuine stakeholders before coming up with these negative and unprogressive ideas.

”Enrichment of few to the detriment of many Nigerians and our economy is not the best for the industry in particular and the nation as a whole.

”We have advised your agency severally against the use of pseudo truckers to represent genuine truck owners at your meetings. We see it as a ploy to get endorsement through the backdoor for an inappropriate policy. This misrepresentation has affected negatively, the outcome of most of your policies concerning trucking activities.

”On these and others, COMTUA is rejecting the policy in its entirety.

”We are calling for more in-depth consultations with genuine stakeholders to determine the best approach for whatever challenges the system is envisaging or facing, else if this circular sees the light of the day, it may have some damaging consequences in the industry.

”On the part of COMTUA, our doors are always open for constructive debates on issues to move the industry forward”, the association declared in its letter to the NPA.

However, the TTP, the promoter of the ETO system, has declared that it will configure the system to accommodate the new reality.

In its memo to the maritime trucking community, it said“Considering this development, the Eto system will be configured to ensure that all agro-export bookings to EPTs can be achieved seamlessly.
“All stakeholders and the entire trucking community are hereby notified accordingly.”

Related Topics:featured War over ETO system

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Headlines

May Day: Mobereola salutes maritime workers for passion, dedication to building virile industry

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The Director – General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has saluted the courage , passion and dedication of maritime workers to building strong and virile industry.

In his message at the Workers’ day on May 1st, 2026, the NIMASA DG extolled the virtues of workers and acknowledged the distinguished service of various stakeholders whose efforts he noted continue to significantly contribute to the development of the Nigerian maritime industry.

Dr. Mobereola, while wishing stakeholders a Happy Workers’ Day said “to all the amazing officers and stakeholders in the maritime sector who bring their passion and expertise to work daily.

“Thank you for your dedication and invaluable contributions”.

He emphasized that as a regulator, the Agency remains committed to its oversight function of regulating maritime labour activities in the industry in line with extant instruments and the expectations of the theme of the 2026 Workers’ Day, which focuses on safety, dignity and productivity.

Customs

Kaila, Seme Customs CAC, seeks collaboration with stakeholders to achieve seemless trade along border corridor

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The new Area Controller of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has reached out to traditional rulers and sister agencies at the border communities to ensure the achievement of his mandate of detection, determent of smuggling, revenue generation and trade facilitation along the border corridor.

To achieve these objectives, Comptroller Kaila went on tour of the communities within the border corridor where he met and sought for the support and cooperation of major critical stakeholders, including the traditional rulers and sister agencies.

According to him, his objective was to eradicate trade hindrances affecting free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan business corridor.

Speaking at the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I who was a well recognized traditional ruler across the border communities.

“”The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service.

“Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling.

“And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we can not have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said

The King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, who described Kaila as the son of the soil, added that “We have listened to your request.

” Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.

Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya, signifies his commitment to fostering the service relationship with residents living within the border communities

“I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required.

” In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he mentioned

While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom, the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.

“I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need.

“Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your presence here, things will change for the better, ” he said

In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, Kaila also visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry.

The Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu,expressed the readiness of the formation to always support the command in achieving its mandate.

“Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility.

” Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said

The Area Controller then ended his familirisation tour with seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office, showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.

Headlines

Opeifa decries encroachment on NRC properties across the country

— praises collaboration with Abia, Enugu govts.

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has reiterated his displeasure over the widespread practice of encroachment on the properties of the Nigerian Railways Corporation across the country, warning that such action would not be tolerated by his administration.

Opeifa was speaking during the separate meetings he recently had with the governments of both Abia and Enugu states.

Represented by the Railway District Manager, Eastern District, Mr. Agwonye Francis Ejike, the NRC boss quickly condemned the occupation of the Corporation’s right- of – way by squatters in Umuahia, while correcting the wrongly- held belief that the Railway is defunct.

Opeifa however applauded the cordial and collaborative relationship between the Corporation and the governments of both Abia and Enugu.

According to him, such productive harmony can only yield even greater positive results for the benefit of the people.

During the Umuahia meeting, Dr. Opeifa strongly praised the Abia State Government for its crucial assistance in clearing the NRC’s right-of-way within Umuahia.

He reiterated unequivocally that no one is permitted to build any structure on railway property without obtaining express approval from his office.

Appealing directly to the public, he urged for greater patience, stressing that the plans for the critical track extension from Aba, through Umuahia to Enugu and beyond, remain very much on course.

Responding on behalf of the Abia State Government, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh stated that the State Government is actively engaging all stakeholders by providing alternative, seamless locations for those currently conducting business on the railway right-of-way.

He further revealed that the state government has already finalized plans to plant trees along the route, creating a leisurely and aesthetically conducive environment for relaxation, replacing previous commercial activities.

The high-powered team then embarked on an extensive inspection of the alternative relocation site for displaced persons; the demolition site where iron barrier installation is progressing; the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal; the site for the new Umuahia Railway Station; and the route for the proposed link road passing through the existing railway station.

The meeting also explored the provision of a temporary location for the Railway Police and the PTO, pending the construction of the new Umuahia Station, which is designed to include a police station and other NRC offices.

The same impactful message was delivered to Enugu State, where the Commissioner of Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozoh (representing the State Government), equally assured the NRC MD of the Enugu State Government’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the Corporation to achieve its aims and objectives.

Describing Dr. Opeifa as a personal friend from their private sector days, Dr. Ozoh lauded him as a leader who “knows perfectly well what he is doing.”

He further assured the NRC that the Enugu State Government will actively assist in demolishing any obstruction on the Corporation’s right-of-way, stressing that the state eagerly awaits the flag-off to recommence construction of the rail line from Aba to Enugu and beyond.