Ending traffic gridlock in Nigeria’s ports corridor

Nigeria's ports corridor has long been plagued by traffic congestion, especially along the Apapa maritime logistics corridor. The issue of truck traffic regulation has been a persistent challenge since the ports were concessioned over a decade ago. Various interventions, including presidential task forces, were implemented in the past, but with limited success. The need for a more efficient and equitable system led to the introduction of digital solutions, such as the Ètò electronic call-up system. Jama Onwubuariri, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Trucks Transit Parks, highlighted the three-pronged approach adopted to address the truck traffic problem. Firstly, infrastructure improvements were made to provide parking facilities for trucks when they are not on the road. Secondly, technology was introduced to implement a scheduling and batching system, allowing trucks to leave their parking positions only when their destination is ready. Finally, stakeholder management played a crucial role in coordinating government agencies, security forces, transporters, and ports to ensure smooth operations. Despite the significant improvement in turnaround time, challenges persist due to an imbalance between the demand and processing capacity of the ports. With about 2,000 trucks booking to go to the ports daily, while the terminals can only handle half of that volume, congestion arises leading to delays. Moreover, some drivers exploit the system by booking tickets they have no intention of using and reselling them at higher prices. A notable issue contributing to the congestion is the exclusion of petroleum tankers from the call-up system. These tankers operate independently, causing disruptions and congestion as they are not regulated by the technology and infrastructure put in place for other trucks. Integrating these tankers into the call-up system is essential to ensure a more streamlined and efficient traffic management process. The integration of articulated vehicles like tankers into the Ètò electronic call-up system is crucial for bringing sanity to Nigeria's ports corridor. By leveraging technology, infrastructure, and stakeholder collaboration, the port operations can be optimized to enhance efficiency and reduce congestion. As Nigeria aims to boost its FX earnings through exports, addressing the challenges in the ports corridor will be instrumental in achieving this economic goal.