- Cartels Extorting Truckers: Before ETO, truckers paid huge bribes to access Lagos ports.
- ETO App Upgrade: The app has been upgraded 160 times since 2021 to improve security and ease operations.
- Opposition: Those who profited from the old system are fighting to undermine the new electronic system.
The Shocking Truth About Lagos Ports
Lagos ports are vital for Nigeria’s economy, but they’ve been plagued by corruption and chaos for years. Before the Electronic Call-Up system (ETO), truckers faced a nightmare of congestion and extortion.
₦300,000 Bribes: The Cost of Doing Business
According to Trucks Transit Parks (TTP), the firm handling the ETO system, truckers were forced to pay bribes of up to ₦300,000 just to access the ports! This illegal activity was fueled by individuals both inside and outside the government.
How the Cartels Operated
After port concessioning in 2006, space became limited, leading to tailbacks of trucks. Criminal elements exploited this situation, demanding huge sums from drivers to get faster access. This created a cartel that thrived on the suffering of truckers and the inefficiency of the ports.
ETO: A Technology-Driven Solution
The government realized that ad-hoc measures wouldn’t solve the problem. They needed a long-term, technology-driven solution. That’s why the ETO app was developed.
What is the ETO App?
The ETO app is an indigenous application designed to address the congestion and corruption at Lagos ports. Launched in February 2021, it assigns roles to every stakeholder and ensures that trucks are on an electronic queue before accessing the ports.
Upgrades to the ETO App
The ETO app has been upgraded over 160 times since its inception. These upgrades focus on improving security, streamlining business operations, and addressing issues reported by field workers.
The Fightback Begins
The introduction of ETO threatened the cartels’ lucrative business. Those who were making a fortune from extortion are now fighting to undermine the system.
Challenges and Opposition
Despite the success of ETO, there are still challenges. Some individuals within the government, who benefited from the old system, are now hindering approvals for innovations that would further improve the ETO system.
The Future of Lagos Ports
The battle to clean up Lagos ports is far from over. The cartels are fighting back, but TTP and the government are determined to create a more efficient and transparent system.
