In a decisive move to curb racketeering and improve efficiency at the Apapa and Tincan Ports, Trucks Transit Parks Ltd. (TTP) held a targeted training session for Licensed Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders on the use of the Ètò electronic call-up system.
The session took place at the Customs Processing Centre (CPC) Auditorium, Apapa, and was sponsored by the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu and his management team, in collaboration with TTP.
The initiative was secured through the efforts of the Leadership of the Joint Association for Licensed Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders, the Apapa Command.
Speaking at the event, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu expressed gratitude to TTP for the training and urged customs agents to take full advantage of the knowledge gained.
“I want to thank TTP for this impactful training. I encourage all customs agents to begin doing their own bookings directly. By doing so, they can take back power from the unscrupulous elements exploiting their lack of knowledge, selling tickets at highly inflated prices,” Olomu stated.
Also speaking, Chief Emeka Chukwumalu, chairman of the Apapa Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), emphasized the urgent need to curb inflated transportation costs and improve ease of doing business at the Apapa Port.
“The training is basically for us to have awareness of the operations of the Ètò Call-up System through TTP. We also want to brainstorm on ways to reduce the high cost of cargo transportation in Apapa Port,” Chukwumalu said.
A cross-section of participants praised the training for providing much-needed clarity on the Ètò system. Many expressed appreciation to the Customs Command, JALCAFF and TTP for organizing the session, noting that they now feel more empowered to handle their bookings directly and avoid being exploited by third parties.
“This training opened our eyes to how simple it is to book tickets ourselves,” one participant shared. “We now know the right steps to follow and how to avoid falling victim to fraudsters,” another added.
Addressing participants, Mr Irabor Akonoman, the head of Operations at TTP, debunked misinformation circulating among stakeholders regarding the pricing of Ètò tickets.
“The official price remains the same since inception. What people are paying higher amounts for is the manipulation by racketeers. This training is about empowering you with practical knowledge of the booking procedures,” Akonoman said.
“When transporters do bookings themselves, they will have visibility over where their trucks are, how long they have been in the system, and ensure full transparency in their operations. Licensed agents are essential gatekeepers in improving logistics efficiency at our ports.” Akonoman added.
On his part, the Chairman of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Apapa Chapter, Mr Eze Uchendu, called for more open-mindedness on the part of agents to learn how to use the system and also accountability from terminal operators, to process trucks faster and more efficiently.
The training marks a strong step forward in reforming port access procedures, enhancing transparency, and restoring confidence in Apapa and Tincan Port operations.
TTP reaffirmed its commitment to continuous stakeholder engagement and collaborative efforts to strengthen the Ètò system for the benefit of all port users.
