The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has raised alarm over the worsening situation at the Apapa port, warning that the return of severe gridlock is imminent due to what they describe as an unfair and biased system for granting trucks access to the port.
Speaking to Vanguard, AMATO’s Secretary, Mr. Sani Mohammed, expressed concerns over the current call-up system, which he claims discriminates against truckers following the due process while favoring others. According to Mohammed, trucks with valid call-up tickets worth N21,500 are being held at pre-gates for extended periods, leading to costly delays for importers who are forced to revalidate their Terminal Delivery Orders (TDOs) at significant expense.
Mohammed also highlighted how this system benefits a select group of truckers and barge operators who manage to bypass the normal process, allowing them to make multiple trips. This leaves other truckers stranded and increases congestion along the Apapa port corridor. He added that when trucks are eventually released from pre-gates, they are often left to loiter around the port area, awaiting TDOs. This results in intervention by authorities like LASTMA, the Police, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Task Force, who impose hefty fines on truck drivers caught in the mess.
“It is unfortunate that we are caught in this web of discriminatory policies,” Mohammed lamented, emphasizing that many of the trucks being detained at pre-gates are vital to the country’s economy. He criticized the current practice of call-up racketeering, shunting, and inconsistent policies, which he says are exacerbating traffic congestion in the Apapa port area.
Mohammed urged the NPA to review the call-up system to ensure fairness and prevent further deterioration of traffic management in Apapa. He warned that if the situation is not addressed, it could lead to severe congestion, disrupt trade, cause significant financial losses to businesses, and negatively impact both residents and the national economy.
To address these challenges, Mohammed suggested that the NPA either eliminate the direct evacuation call-up system or impose stricter conditions for its issuance. He concluded by warning that Apapa is at risk of slipping back into a traffic nightmare if immediate action is not taken.
