Truck park operators in Onne, Rivers State, have expressed full support for the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) Electronic Call-Up System, aimed at easing gridlock along the Eastern Ports corridor and improving cargo evacuation efficiency.

The digital platform is expected to address delays caused by unregulated truck movements, reduce financial losses, and curb extortion by non-state actors operating around the port. Stakeholders said the initiative will restore order, enhance turnaround times for vessels, and protect investments in trucking and logistics.

Godwin Ololuke, Chairman of the Nigerian Port Consultative Council (NPCC), Onne Chapter, confirmed that preparations for the e-call-up system along the Onne Port corridor have been completed.

“We have met with truck park owners, the system consultant, and NPA management through the Port Manager in Onne. The aim is to ensure controlled truck movements within and around the port, guaranteeing safety for all stakeholders, including schoolchildren and residents,” Ololuke said.

The initiative is expected to streamline truck entry, reduce random parking on port access roads, and improve operational predictability for port users.

Truck driver Johnbull Igbikiowubo described the rollout as “timely and long overdue,” noting that “the cooperation of all stakeholders is essential to ensure its success for the benefit of everyone involved and the nation’s economy.”

Meanwhile, Olumide Ibitolu of Waterhouses Marine and Logistics Limited attributed current traffic disruptions to the ongoing registration of trucks under the new system, stressing that challenges should ease once onboarding is completed and the platform becomes fully active.

Industry players believe that, similar to its successful implementation in Lagos ports, the call-up system will strengthen the competitiveness of Onne Port, reduce demurrage costs, and improve cargo evacuation for businesses operating in Nigeria’s Eastern maritime hub.