Blue Economy
NAGAFF Pushes for TTP Contract Renewal to Maintain Port Traffic Flow
NAGAFF Pushes for TTP Contract Renewal to Maintain Port Traffic Flow
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders has called on the Nigerian Ports Authority to expedite contract renewal negotiations with Truck Transit Park Limited as current agreement nears expiration
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has appealed to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to fast-track the renewal of Truck Transit Park Limited’s (TTP) contract to preserve seamless truck operations along Lagos port corridors.
At a Thursday press briefing evaluating traffic conditions in Apapa and Tin Can port corridors, NAGAFF President Tochukwu Ezizi revealed that TTP’s current NPA contract expires next year, with renewal applications still pending approval.
Speaking through the association’s Secretary General, Godfrey Nwosu, Ezizi disclosed that TTP has submitted multiple proposals to the NPA, including an e-Tag system designed to enhance truck entry and exit procedures.
“TTP’s contract expires next year, and their applications remain on NPA’s desk awaiting approval. Among their submissions is a proposal for e-Tag technology to streamline port access, but no approval has been granted,” Ezizi stated.
Ezizi credited TTP’s digital traffic management system, Eto, with eliminating the chronic traffic gridlock that previously paralyzed business operations in Lagos port areas within just two years.
“We remember the difficult period before TTP’s arrival when business activities nearly collapsed. Companies were forced to close and relocate from Apapa, and sometimes from Lagos entirely. Property values crashed, and both federal and state governments lost substantial revenue,” he recalled.
He praised the strategic decision by NPA and the former Ministry of Transportation to engage TTP’s services, noting that positive changes became evident within two years of implementation.
The NAGAFF president highlighted significant operational improvements under TTP’s management. The company has processed 2.7 million truck movements through the Eto system, reducing cargo transportation costs by 65 percent and cutting truck turnaround time from 2-3 weeks to under three days.
Former NAGAFF President Increase Uche emphasized the dramatic improvement in daily truck evacuation, stating that while fewer than 50 trucks could be processed daily before Eto, FMCG and Oil & Gas industries now evacuate over 400 trucks per day.
“TTP’s operations have revolutionized trade facilitation. Export goods experience minimal delays, and Nigerian exporters no longer need performance bonds for overseas contracts. Export containers from inland areas now arrive at ports more predictably,” Uche explained.
The association reported significant improvements in the real estate sector, with Apapa property values appreciating considerably. Research indicates that Eto technology has created approximately 225 direct jobs and empowered over 500 ancillary workers within the port environment.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges, NAGAFF urged the government to maintain and build upon current achievements. Ezizi stressed the importance of political commitment to monitoring service providers and maintaining established standards.
“We must abandon the tradition of failing to build on progress. The government needs political will to ensure service providers like TTP maintain their standards. Modern ports globally prioritize efficient service delivery to reduce costs and delays,” he said.
Ezizi concluded that TTP, as an indigenous service provider that has demonstrated Nigeria’s capability to resolve long-standing logistical challenges, deserves continued support and encouragement.
The association’s call comes as stakeholders await NPA’s decision on TTP’s contract renewal and proposed technological upgrades to further enhance port operations.