Truck Owners Raise Alarm Over Looming Apapa Gridlock
The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has voiced concerns about a potential return of severe traffic congestion in Apapa, blaming an unfair and unregulated truck entry system at the port.
Speaking with LMSINT MEDIA, AMATO’s Secretary, Mr. Sani Mohammed, pointed out that a discriminatory call-up system is worsening the situation. He stated that while some truckers follow proper procedures, others gain unhindered access, leading to frustration among those stuck in prolonged delays.
Truckers Face Costly Delays at Pre-Gates
According to Mohammed, truckers who pay ₦21,500 for call-up tickets often experience extended wait times at designated pre-gates. This, in turn, forces importers to spend millions on revalidating Terminal Delivery Orders (TDOs). He further alleged that certain privileged truckers exploit the evacuation call-up system and barge operations, making multiple trips while others remain stranded.
“When these delayed trucks are finally released, they end up roaming the port corridor in search of TDOs. This exposes them to harassment by authorities such as LASTMA, the Police, the NPA, and the Task Force, who impound the vehicles and demand hefty fines from drivers who are victims of a flawed system,” Mohammed lamented.
Call-Up Racketeering Worsens Port Congestion
Mohammed highlighted that corruption, shunting, and inconsistent policies within the call-up system have led to increased congestion in Apapa. He explained that many frustrated truckers abandon the official process and opt for direct port access, further escalating traffic chaos along the corridor.
Call for Urgent Reforms
He urged the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to reassess the direct evacuation call-up system, ensuring a fair and transparent process to prevent a total traffic breakdown in Apapa.
“If this situation is not addressed, we will soon face severe port congestion, disrupting trade, causing massive financial losses, and negatively affecting businesses and residents,” Mohammed warned.
To resolve the issue, he proposed that the NPA either eliminate the direct call-up system or introduce stricter regulations for its implementation. “Apapa is slipping back into a traffic nightmare,” he cautioned.
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