Maritime truck owners and drivers have launched a large-scale protest in Lagos, decrying persistent extortion and racketeering activities that have taken a severe financial toll on their operations.
The demonstration, which began at Lillypond Truck Park in Ijora and moved through to both Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, has caused significant truck congestion along the port access roads, further disrupting cargo movement.
Protesters carried placards with various demands and expressed frustration over the numerous unofficial checkpoints along the port corridors. At these checkpoints, truckers report paying between ₦5,000 and ₦20,000 per stop.
This compounded cost, they argue, is not only unsustainable but has led to a dramatic increase in transport expenses that ultimately affect port users and the broader economy.
Compounding the issue is the emergence of a black market for call-up tickets. According to multiple reports, call-up passes—originally intended to regulate and streamline truck movement—are being sold for as much as ₦250,000 to ₦400,000, far beyond the initial ₦10,250 fee. These tickets are often distributed through corrupt syndicates, leaving genuine truckers at the mercy of racketeers.
The protesters are demanding immediate government intervention to eliminate these extortion points and to overhaul the current call-up system. A key demand is the implementation of an Electronic Tag (ETAG) system, which would automate and secure truck scheduling, thereby minimizing manipulation and abuse in the call-up allocation process.
Mohammed Sani Bala, Secretary General of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), issued a vote of confidence in the existing electronic call-up system (ETO), praising its role in reducing traffic gridlock and restoring order along the Apapa and Tin Can Island logistics corridors.
However, he cautioned that the benefits of the digital system could be undone by unchecked extortion. He called on the government to drastically reduce the number of illegal checkpoints and to ensure that only authorized personnel manage port access.
Bala also advocated for the introduction of a truck scheduling system, which would mandate that only trucks released from designated holding bays are allowed entry into port terminals. Such a system, he argued, would help eliminate unauthorized access, reduce congestion, and improve the overall efficiency of port operations.
Similarly, Afeez Alabi, the Public Relations Officer of the Maritime Truck Drivers Association (MTDA), warned against any push to return to the old, chaotic system. He noted that the digital platform has brought a degree of transparency and accountability previously lacking, highlighting how the system has significantly eased congestion and allowed better regulation of truck movement in and out of the ports.
Alabi acknowledged, however, that black-market resale of call-up slots—now fetching between ₦120,000 and ₦130,000—is a clear indicator of entrenched corruption that must be addressed if the ETO system is to achieve its intended impact.
Lukeman Shittu, Chairman of the Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Operators Committee (LASTCOC), also defended the ETO platform. He criticized calls for its removal, stating that such appeals mainly come from individuals who previously profited from the disorder and unregulated access to the ports. Shittu emphasized that while the system is not perfect, abandoning it would be a regression.
Drawing from over two decades of experience in the trucking industry, veteran trucker Zangalo emphasized how the port environment has improved since the introduction of the ETO system. He recalled the days when trucks parked haphazardly, choking Lagos roads and worsening urban traffic.
“We just want to clarify some misinformation out there. People calling for a return to the old system are not representing real stakeholders. Those were the ones benefiting from the disorder,” Zangalo stated.
He did, however, acknowledge that challenges remain—particularly at terminal gates where operational delays can cause significant backlogs. He explained that when port terminals are inefficient, it creates a bottleneck that prevents TTP (Truck Transit Parks) from releasing more trucks, thus halting movement across the system.
In summary, truck operators across Lagos ports are calling not for the scrapping of the electronic call-up system, but for a comprehensive reform.
Their demands include the elimination of extortion checkpoints, enforcement of a unified ETAG-based truck scheduling system, and improved operational capacity at port terminals. Until these issues are addressed, they warn, the full benefits of port digitization will remain unrealized.