Considering the gravity of the situation and the urgency to find a lasting resolution to the Electronic Call Up System implemented by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Truck Transit Park Limited (TTP), the Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA) has issued a Seven-Day ultimatum, to the management of NPA starting from Friday, November 3, 2023, for a court action on an injunction against the current process.
This was revealed in a letter signed by Comrade Adeyinka Aroyewun, COMTUA National President on Friday, November 3, 2023 and made available to Daily Insight Nigeria.
Aroyewun said, “COMTUA firmly believe that legal intervention is necessary to ensure the protection of the rights and interests of our members who have been severely affected”.
In his words, “though the electronic call up system was introduced with the aim of streamlining operations and improving efficiency in and around the ports, it has unfortunately proven to be highly ineffective and has caused significant challenges for truckers and other stakeholders in the maritime transport sector.
“The system’s failure has led to delays, increased costs, and a lack of transparency, adversely affecting the livelihoods and operations of the truckers” he maintained.
Part of the demands made by COMTUA to avert court proceedings includes, NPA should o the following: “Conduct a thorough investigation into the reasons behind the failure of the Electronic Call Up System. Engage all relevant stakeholders, including truckers, transport unions, and associations, in open dialogues to understand their concerns and suggestions for improvement. Take immediate steps to rectify the system’s failures and implement a more efficient and reliable solution that addresses the challenges faced by truckers.
“Provide adequate support and resources to ensure the smooth functioning of the system and address any technical or logistical issues promptly and Ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in the allocation of truck movement slots to eliminate any favoritism or corruption in the process.
“We strongly believe that by taking swift and decisive action, we can alleviate the hardships faced by truckers and restore the efficient functioning of the port operations.
“Failure to address this matter within the stipulated time frame will leave us with no option but to proceed with legal action to seek an injunction against the current process.
By Ajibola Adedoye