As part of efforts to curb racketeering and improve efficiency at Apapa and Tincan Ports, Trucks Transit Parks Limited (TTP) organized a training session for Licensed Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders on the proper use of the Ètò electronic call-up system.
The session, held at the Customs Processing Centre (CPC) Auditorium in Apapa, was supported by Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu; Leadership of the Joint Association for Licensed Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders (JALCAFF); and Trucks Transit Parks Limited.
Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu expressed appreciation to TTP for the training and encouraged participants to take full control of their booking processes.
“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 and selling tickets at highly inflated prices,” Olomu said.
Chairman, Apapa Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Emeka Chukwumalu, noted the urgency of reducing transportation costs and improving port operations.
“The training is basically for us to understand 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,” he said.
Participants welcomed the training as timely and beneficial. Many expressed appreciation to the Customs Command, JALCAFF, and TTP for organizing the session, saying they now feel more confident managing their own bookings.
“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.
Head of Operations, TTP, Irabor Akonoman addressed misconceptions about the cost of using the Ètò platform, stating that the official price has not changed 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.
“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,” said Akonoman. “Licensed agents are essential gatekeepers in improving logistics efficiency at our ports.”
Chairman, Apapa Chapter of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Eze Uchendu, called on agents to remain open-minded about adopting the Ètò system. He also emphasized the need for accountability from terminal operators to process trucks more efficiently.
The training represents a step forward in reforming port access procedures, enhancing transparency, and building trust among stakeholders. TTP reiterated its commitment to ongoing collaboration and engagement to further strengthen the Ètò system and improve the experience of all port users.
