Lekki Port: Tightens Truck Controls, Mandates E-Call-Up & RFID

• Lekki Port convened stakeholders to address severe traffic congestion on its access roads, impacting multiple commercial and infrastructure projects.
• New directives include strict enforcement of the e-call-up system and dedicated single-lane truck access, aligning with Lagos State mandates.
• Lekki Free Port Terminal introduced a one-container, one-booking system and an RFID access control system to improve efficiency.
• Stakeholders acknowledged non-compliance with existing standard operating procedures and agreements for designated truck parks, prompting an enforcement plan.
• Port management expects congestion to ease within a month, with continued follow-up and inspection of truck facilities planned.

The concerted effort aims to alleviate the persistent traffic congestion that has plagued the vital corridor, impacting not only the port but also surrounding commercial and infrastructure projects.

Lekki Port has initiated a comprehensive effort to mitigate severe traffic congestion along the critical corridor serving the port, petroleum facilities, free-zone businesses, and ongoing coastal road construction projects. The Lekki Port Manager, Emmanuel Anda, recently convened a stakeholders' meeting to address the complex challenge posed by the high volume and diverse types of traffic in the area, acknowledging the necessity for a unified management approach.

As an immediate measure to enhance Lekki Port traffic management, Anda directed all trucks to utilize a single designated lane, thereby ensuring unimpeded access for other road users. This directive aligns with a previously reiterated instruction from the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State. Furthermore, to streamline operations and prevent bottlenecks, Anda mandated the strict enforcement of the Lekki Port e-call-up system, ensuring that trucks are released only in accordance with the receiving terminals' capacity at any given time.

Complementing these directives, the Lekki Free Port Terminal has introduced specific technological and operational enhancements. Ajay Harlal Tyagi, the Chief Operating Officer of Lekki Free Port Terminal, confirmed the implementation of a one-container, one-booking system designed to eliminate duplicate bookings and improve efficiency. Additionally, the terminal has deployed a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system, a key component for improving access control and significantly reducing truck turnaround times at the facility.

Despite these advancements and existing protocols, compliance remains a challenge. Timi Koleolu, Managing Director of Call-Up Technology, highlighted that the agreed-upon standard operating procedures (SOPs) for truck movement were not being fully observed. He urged truckers to consistently use designated parks and complete the required booking process before proceeding to the port, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the Lekki Port e-call-up system. Similarly, Idris Seidu, representing the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, noted that agreements with transport unions regarding the use of designated truck parks were not being fully honored, contributing to the Nigerian Ports Authority Lekki congestion.

The Lagos State Government has already mandated the electronic call-up system across the entire corridor, underscoring the regulatory framework in place. Adedeji Oyedele, Head of Projects at Lekki Worldwide Investment, stressed the importance of ensuring that investments made in truck parks translate into effective utilization. In response to the observed non-compliance, the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation is actively collaborating with Lekki Worldwide Investment to develop a robust enforcement plan aimed at ensuring orderly truck movement and maintaining road accessibility for all users, reinforcing Lagos State truck park enforcement efforts.

Stakeholders also voiced concerns regarding operational inefficiencies, including trucks being turned back at the port gate, repeated attempts by some to gain unauthorized entry, and vehicles returning via one-way routes. In a forward-looking move, Anda called for the regulation of temporary truck parks and an upgrade of driver facilities to include essential amenities such as toilets, resting areas, canteens, adequate lighting, security, and basic medical services. All parties agreed to conduct inspections of designated truck transit parks within the corridor to assess their facilities and utilization. Anda expressed confidence that traffic congestion would ease within a month and pledged ongoing follow-up to ensure sustained improvement.

Lawyers advising clients involved in port logistics at Lekki Port should inform them of the reinforced truck control measures and e-call-up system enforcement. Compliance officers must ensure their company's operations align with these new directives to prevent delays, penalties, and operational disruptions at the port.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers