The new ticketing system newly introduced in Lagos ports is kicking dust in eastern ports, should it be introduced. Stakeholders said in Port Harcourt it has already hiked tickets in Lagos to over N400,000 and may o same in eastern ports. It is called ‘E-Call Up’.
The coalition of stakeholders and licensed Customs agents operating at the eastern ports has raised concerns over the planned adoption of the ‘E-Call Up’ system in the zone.
The group described the proposed adoption as a strategic ploy to frustrate the competitiveness of eastern ports particularly Onne, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Warri as well as likely to de-market Oil and Gas Free Zone Logistics.
They made their position known at a media briefing on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Port Harcourt.
The position was also signed by Innocent Akuvue, President, National Shippers Association of Nigeria; Joshua Ahuama, Zonal Coordinator, Eastern Association of Nigeria Customs Agents, and Emeka Nwosu, National Vice Chairman, Council of Managing Directors of Customs Licensed Agents among others.
E-call up system also known as the Eto ticket is an innovation of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), designed to direct truck movement and check port congestion at the Lagos Ports of Tin Can and Apapa.
The stakeholders expressed concern over plans to replicate the model at eastern ports comprising of Onne, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Warri, adding that the eastern ports lacked necessary infrastructure for the system’s implementation.
They urged the Federal Government to tackle infrastructure decay in the region by fast-tracking completion of the East-West Road and prioritizing policies capable of strengthening the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone to boost the nation’s economy.
They also expressed concerns over rampant racketeering and disorder currently ongoing at the Lagos ports on account of the E-call up system implementation.
According to the group, the Eto ticket with an official cost of N20,750 sometimes sells for as much as N400,000 at the black market with freight forwarders readily patronizing the unofficial channel regardless of cost difference.
They also noted that while the system was initially introduced to support transparency and aid port decongestion, the reverse is currently the case.
“E-call up system has been marred by corruption and disorder at the Lagos ports. The Lagos ports currently struggle with various flaws including persistent congestion due to lack of coordination. Truckers now incur extra time and fees in loading bays. Generally, the E-call up system had shown no appreciable value addition to ports operation as it lacked clarity on cargo movement,” the group said.
They however, commended the eastern ports operational model which they said had engendered efficiency and promoted ease of doing business.
