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How NPA has sanitised port access roads with deployment of ETO, Electronic Barrier system 

Funso OLOJO 
Contrary to reports sponsored by entrenched interests in a bid to return the port access roads to the dark days, the Nigerian Ports Authority has, in collaboration with Trucks Transit Parks, recorded major improvements in port traffic management following the full deployment of electronic barrier systems across all terminal access points within the Lagos Port Complex.
At the peak of the Apapa traffic gridlock in 2018 and 2019, measures put in place to resolve the perennial problem failed until the Nigerian Ports Authority and Transit Parks Limited (TTP) introduced Electronic Call-Up System also known as Ètò.
Despite initial resistance by entrenched interests, the NPA stood its ground and enforced the system.
Since then, sanity has largely returned with commuters and residents who ply the roads on a daily basis applauding the NPA.
The Ètò Electronic Call-Up System, developed and managed by Trucks Transit Parks Limited, is a digital truck scheduling and access management platform designed to streamline traffic into and out of Nigerian ports.
Electronic barrier systems at port access roads offer enhanced security, improved traffic management, increased efficiency, and significant cost savings.
By replacing or supplementing manual processes, Ètò has provided a more reliable and modern solution for controlling and monitoring port entry points.
To implement the electronic call-up system, the NPA, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and other relevant stakeholders, developed about 29 truck parks across Lagos State.
All of the 29 truck parks have fully deployed the Eto infrastructure, which includes automated gating systems and other information technology (IT) equipment.
The electronic call-up has been able to streamline cargo evacuation and truck movements, thereby bringing a level of sanity to the roads.
Apart from a few isolated cases where some truck drivers try to subvert the system by not adhering strictly to the truck manifest requirement, the electronic call-up has brought sanity to Apapa.
Aside from the call-up system, the NPA also started enforcing the use of railways in the movement of import and export cargoes in and out of states in the hinterland.
Recently, a Kano-based exporter moved about 100 tons of millet direct from Kano to Lagos Port via rail. The rail also had passengers on board the coaches.
“I spent almost 50 per cent less as haulage cost to move my millets in containers from Kano Railway Station to Lagos Port. If these cargoes are to be moved by trucks, the goods worth millions of naira, would have cost me more,” said the exporter, who did not give his name.
Addressing Long-Standing Challenges
The authority is promoting multi-modal transport systems through the use of railways and barges for the movement of cargo in and out of the ports.
The development has tremendously reduced congestion at most terminals at the ports, thereby helping to improve ports efficiency.
“Many barge operators have been licensed by the authority in order to ensure effective and safe operation.
” A regulatory framework has also been developed, which looks into the state of the barges being deployed.
“When we approve the deployment of the barges, we discovered that many of them did not have communication equipment and we directed them to install such equipment.
*We also insist that these barges must be seaworthy before they are allowed to sail in order to forestall a situation where they break down at the middle of the channels, which could cause disruptions,” said an official of the NPA.
Also, the NPA introduced a new policy for the management of empty containers. This policy compels shipping lines to take back at least 80 per cent of the loaded containers that they came with for every voyage in empties and export cargo.
Reacting to a recent report by fifth columnist who took sides with entrenched interests who wanted to sabotage the system and return the ports access roads to the dark days, the NPA said it has, in collaboration with Trucks Transit Parks, recorded major improvements in port traffic management following the full deployment of electronic barrier systems in all terminal access points within the Lagos Port Complex.
The system, which became fully operational in September 2025, is now a key part of daily port operations, ensuring that only authorised trucks with valid Ètò-issued call-up tickets can access designated terminals.
Integrated with the Ètò Electronic Call-Up System, the barriers have added a new layer of physical enforcement to digital scheduling, strengthened gate control, improved traffic coordination, enhanced the accuracy of port data, and overall traffic flow within the port.
Before the deployment of the integrated barrier system, the port operations were hampered by unauthorised truck diversions between terminals, with vehicles crossing from one terminal to another outside their scheduled bookings, idle trucks lingering in the port area seeking unscheduled jobs and congestion caused by non-compliance with standard operating procedures.
The barrier system has effectively closed these loopholes, providing a robust physical enforcement layer for the Ètò platform.
 Each barrier automatically lifts only for trucks with verified call-up tickets assigned to a specific terminal, ensuring that all movements are scheduled, controlled, and traceable.
Enhanced Control, Data Integrity
According to the NPA, the deployment of electronic barriers represents a major leap in its automation of port operations.
“For years, unauthorised truck movements and human interference undermined efficiency in port operations. With the barrier system now active, we have end-to-end control from the point of booking to terminal access and exit,” the General Manager, Operations, Mrs. Stella Oladiran, said in a statement.
“Key benefits already recorded include: improved end-to-end control of the electronic call-up process, from booking to terminal exit, data integrity and accuracy in tracking port traffic and truck movements, transparent monitoring of inter-terminal traffic for better accountability and enhanced port productivity and efficiency through precise truck scheduling.
How The System Works
Each terminal gate is equipped with a fully automated electronic barrier connected to the Ètò platform.
Trucks with valid Ètò tickets are automatically verified and granted access.
Unauthorised trucks are denied entry, eliminating manual checks and reducing human interference.
The system provides real-time data on every truck’s entry, exit, and inter-terminal movement, enabling better coordination across the entire logistics chain.
Stakeholders’ Reaction
Meanwhile, stakeholders have denounced the reports of resurgence of gridlock on port access roads.
Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Mr Adebowale Lawal said the NPA, in line with its mandate to ensure the smooth operation of Port activities and the free flow of traffic around the Apapa Port Complex Corridor, remains fully committed to maintaining order and preventing any recurrence of the severe gridlock previously experienced along the access roads.
“We have recently undertaken a review and enhancement of the ETO system, which now integrates Terminal Gates directly with the ETO platform.
“This integration is designed to provide a structured sequencing of truck movements, both inbound and outbound within the Apapa Port Complex.
“The objective of this initiative is to ensure transparency, improve traffic efficiency, and maintain a sustainable operating environment around the ports.
“However, the success of this system depends largely on the cooperation and compliance of all Stakeholders, including Terminal Operators, Transport Unions, Drivers, Clearing Agents, and Government Agencies (Both Federal and State).
“Sequencing truck entry and exit is not rocket science. With sincerity of purpose and commitment from all concerned, we can achieve and maintain orderliness and prevent a return to the chaotic conditions of the past.
“It is in our best interest, because smooth Ingress and Egress of Trucks will, in the long run, bring about high turnover for all Stakeholders,” he stated.
On his part, the Chairman of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Remi Ogungbemi said, “Our attention has been drawn to some misleading media reports alleging that gridlock has returned to the Apapa port corridor due to a collapse of the electronic call-up system.
“We wish to categorically state that such reports are false, exaggerated, and do not reflect the true situation on ground.
” All the road arteries leading to the Apapa Port — including Wharf Road, Creek Road, and other adjoining routes — remain orderly and passable.
“At present, trucks are moving in a single, regulated lane towards their designated terminals within the port in compliance with traffic and safety directives.
“This organised movement should not be mistaken for gridlock. We therefore urge the public, port users, and the media to disregard and debunk these unfounded rumours.
“The current traffic situation around the Apapa port corridor reflects improved discipline, better enforcement, and enhanced cooperation among stakeholders.”
He added, “We remain committed to continuous collaboration with relevant government agencies, traffic management authorities, and terminal operators to sustain the gains achieved so far in port access management.
“We commend the efforts of all stakeholders who have contributed to ensuring the smooth flow of trucks and cargoes in and out of the port.”
In his reaction, the General Manager of Corporate and Strategic Communications, NPA Ikechukwu Onyemekara said the era of all forms of illegality of the past as it concerns truck accessing the ports is over.
He said meddlesome interlopers would always find a way to discredit the NPA, adding that the authority was committed to its mandate of ensuring ports efficiency.
“The electronic call-up system is a global best practice, and in addition, with the electronic barrier being in place at all terminals, practices that encourage chaos along the port corridor will not be possible anymore.
“The NPA  has been collaborating and will continue to engage all  stakeholders who are genuinely committed to the growth of the maritime industry and the nation at large to ensure an efficient port system,” he said.
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Customs

Excitement as President Tinubu Extends CGC Adeniyi’s Tenure by Six Months

Funso OLOJO, Editor

A wave of excitement swept through the maritime industry following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of a six-month extension of the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi.

In a statement issued on June 19th, 2026, and signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu said the extension was necessary to enable Adeniyi to consolidate ongoing reforms, particularly the implementation of the National Single Window project, while also ensuring an orderly succession process within the service.

According to the Presidency, Adeniyi’s current tenure was due to expire on August 1st, 2026.

The six-month extension will now keep him in office until February 2027.

During the transition period, Adeniyi is expected to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service Board to oversee the promotion of qualified officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs and facilitate the compulsory retirement of officers who have attained the statutory retirement age of 60 years or completed 35 years in service.

Adeniyi joined the Nigeria Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late 1980s.

He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming a Deputy Comptroller in 2012, Comptroller in 2017, Assistant Comptroller-General in 2020, and Acting Deputy Comptroller-General in January 2023 before being appointed Comptroller-General by President Tinubu in June 2023.

Maritime stakeholders who welcomed the development described the extension as an opportunity for the Customs boss to complete the far-reaching reforms he initiated within the service.

One freight forwarder, who preferred anonymity, described the decision as a positive development.

“This is a welcome development because it will enable the Comptroller-General to complete the reforms he has started in the Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.

“His tenure has been a watershed in the history of the NCS.

“The service has witnessed unprecedented transformation in its operations, revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling activities.

“Granting him an extension is a well-thought-out administrative decision by President Tinubu to allow him to complete these achievements.”

Another stakeholder said the extension reflects the confidence of the Presidency in Adeniyi’s leadership.

“The tenure extension is a clear endorsement of Adeniyi’s transformative leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service and the progress recorded under his administration,” the stakeholder remarked.

Industry observers believe the extension will provide continuity for ongoing modernization initiatives and help sustain the momentum of reforms aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border security.

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Customs

How Auditor-General goofed in N62.2bn under-remittance allegation against Customs

Funso  OLOJO, Editor

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has exposed what it described as a misunderstanding of Customs revenue collection procedures by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, which led to the allegation that the Service failed to remit N62.2 billion to the Federation Account.

In its 2019 audit report, the Auditor-General’s Office alleged that out of the N691.242 billion generated by the NCS in 2017, only N629.23 billion was remitted to the Federation Account, leaving an outstanding balance of N62.2 billion.

The allegation resulted in a query being issued to the Service and was subsequently escalated to the Senate Committee on Public Accounts for investigation.

Appearing before the committee during an investigative hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, dismissed the allegation, insisting that the purported N62.2 billion under-remittance never existed.

According to him, the Auditor-General’s Office arrived at the figure through a misclassification of revenues and levies collected by the Service during the period under review.

Defending the financial integrity of the NCS, Adeniyi explained that while some levies collected by Customs are statutorily remitted into the Federation Account, others are earmarked for specific purposes and therefore do not form part of Federation Account revenue.

“The under-remittance of N62.2 billion levelled against Customs in the 2019 audit report was wrongly arrived at through the misclassification of levies collected by the Service,” Adeniyi told the committee.

“While most of the levies are collected and remitted into the Federation Account, others, including levies on the local production of wheat, textiles, wines and similar products, are not paid into the Federation Account.

The cumulative value of these special-purpose levies accounted for the alleged N62.2 billion under-remittance,” he explained.

Following the Customs chief’s clarification, which addressed the first three major audit queries raised against the Service, members of the committee expressed concern that such technical issues had been allowed to escalate to the level of a Senate investigation.

One of the committee members, Senator Babangida Hussaini, noted that the matter should ordinarily have been resolved during the preliminary audit stage.

Drawing from his experience as a former civil servant, Hussaini observed that the issues involved straightforward technical interpretations that could have been clarified without legislative intervention.

Satisfied with the explanations provided by the Customs management, the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, subsequently cleared the Nigeria Customs Service of the allegation of under-remitting N62.2 billion.

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Customs

PTML Customs Chief reaffirms support for COWA as Nabila Nura Miko assumes office as chairperson

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Customs Area Controller of the Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, Deputy Comptroller N.I. Miko, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to supporting the new leadership of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), PTML Chapter, in achieving its objectives.

Deputy Comptroller Miko made the pledge on Thursday, June 18th, 2026, during the official handover ceremony of the association’s leadership at the PTML Customs Command.

At the event, Hajiya Nabila Nura Miko formally assumed office as Chairperson of the PTML Chapter of COWA, succeeding Mrs. Ifeoluwa Anani.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Customs Area Controller described the occasion as more than a mere leadership transition, noting that it symbolized continuity, service, and the enduring contributions of Customs officers’ spouses to the Nigeria Customs Service family.

He commended the immediate past Chairperson, Mrs. Ifeoluwa Anani, for her exemplary leadership and the successful execution of impactful projects during her tenure.

According to him, the achievements recorded under her administration strengthened the association and positively impacted members as well as the wider Customs community.

Beyond infrastructural and welfare initiatives, Deputy Comptroller Miko highlighted COWA’s critical role in fostering stability on the home front, thereby enabling Customs officers to effectively discharge their statutory responsibilities of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations.

“While officers are engaged in the discharge of their official duties, COWA members ensure that our homes remain stable, peaceful, and productive.

“A stable home is the foundation of effective service delivery, and for this invaluable contribution, we remain profoundly grateful,” he stated.

Congratulating Hajiya Nabila Nura Miko on her assumption of office, the Controller expressed confidence in her ability to build upon the achievements of her predecessor and lead the association to greater accomplishments.

He further assured the association of the Command’s readiness to provide the necessary assistance within its capacity, including logistical, operational, and moral support, to facilitate the successful implementation of its programmes and initiatives.

In her acceptance remarks, the new Chairperson, Hajiya Nabila Nura Miko, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve, describing her appointment as both an honour and a responsibility.

She paid glowing tribute to the National President of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, commending her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the association nationwide.

According to her, Mrs. Adeniyi’s guidance and dedication have continued to inspire members and strengthen COWA’s role as a platform for empowerment, welfare support, and impactful community engagement.

Hajiya Miko also acknowledged the contributions of her predecessor, noting that her tenure was marked by dedication, integrity, and remarkable achievements that significantly strengthened the PTML Chapter.

“I am committed to consolidating on the successes of the previous administration while introducing new initiatives that will further promote the objectives of COWA and enhance the welfare of Customs officers’ wives,” she said.

Highlighting some of the notable programmes undertaken by the chapter in recent years, she cited the International Women’s Day Celebration, the COWA Healthy Wife, Wealthy Life Sensitisation Workshop, Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns, End-of-Year Outreach Programmes, participation in the Green Border Initiative School Adoption Programme, and Environmental Sensitisation Lectures.

She described these initiatives as evidence of the chapter’s commitment to social impact and member development, adding that they provide a strong foundation for future growth.

Outlining her administration’s agenda, Hajiya Miko said the chapter would focus on three strategic pillars: welfare, through strengthened support systems for members and their families; empowerment, through expanded skills acquisition and economic development programmes; and community service, through sustained interventions in health, education, and environmental sustainability.

She called for the continued support, cooperation, and prayers of COWA members, PTML Command management, and other stakeholders, emphasizing that collective effort would be essential to achieving the chapter’s goals and advancing the association’s mission.

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