Council of Maritime Transport Unions And Associations (COMTUA) has called on the Lagos State Government to take a decisive action towards addressing the growing challenges in the logistics aspect of the maritime sector and ensure a more efficient and transparent system.
In a letter written on Thursday, October 26, 2023, Adeyinka Aroyewun, COMTUA National President who expressed the association’s grave concern regarding the current traffic situation on the port corridor, which has shown no signs of improvement, specifically demanded that the State Government should waste no time in declaring an emergency on the call-up regime.
According to him, “the call-up system, which is intended to regulate traffic flow and reduce congestion on the port corridor, eradicate extortion is riddled with issues.
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“One of the most troubling issues is the prevalence of call-up codes being sold to the highest bidder or being allocated based on favoritism and connections. Vehicles move in the direction of the port without call up documents; codes are bought barrier point. This unfair and corrupt practice undermines the purpose of the call-up system and perpetuates congestion and delays”.
The letter reads; “The consequences of this dysfunctional call-up regime are manifold. First and foremost, it hampers economic activities by causing delays and disruptions in the movement of goods and materials through the ports. This not only impacts businesses but also has wider implications for the overall economic growth and development of Lagos State. Our members are suffering.
“Furthermore, the inefficient and opaque call-up system also poses significant safety hazards. The congestion on the port corridor has led to an increase in accidents, breakdowns, and incidents of violence as frustrated drivers and operators resort to desperate measures to navigate through the chaos. These incidents put the lives and well-being of drivers, operators, and other road users at risk. The continuous extortion, harrassment, vandalism have not stopped.
Aroyewun however demanded that the declaration should be accompanied by swift and decisive actions to address the flaws and shortcomings of the system.
He listed some important measures that could be taken to include: “Conducting a comprehensive audit of the call-up system and identifying areas of improvement, especially an audit of the approved parks. Implementing a transparent and fair allocation process for call-up codes, ensuring that they are not sold or allocated based on favoritism.
“Strengthening enforcement and punitive measures against those engaged in corruption and illegal activities related to the call-up system, not excluding TTP personnel and officials. Engaging in regular dialogue and consultation with genuine stakeholders, including transport operators not necessarily those on the payroll of NPA/TTP falsely parading themselves and supported by corrupt government officials, to identify their challenges and needs and incorporate them into system improvements.
“Lastly, developing and implementing technology-based solutions, such as a real digital call-up system, to streamline and automate processes and reduce human interference not like the one we have now.
By Ajibola Adedoye