The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has raised an alarm over the looming resurgence of severe gridlock in Apapa due to what they describe as a biased and poorly managed truck access system into the port. According to AMATO’s Secretary, Mr. Sani Mohammed, the growing problem stems from a discriminatory call-up system that frustrates truckers who follow the proper procedures while giving undue advantage to others.

Mohammed explained that trucks with valid N21,500 call-up tickets are being detained for long periods at pre-gates, forcing importers to spend millions revalidating Terminal Delivery Orders (TDOs). He accused select truckers and barge operators of benefiting from these delays, while others are left stranded, unable to get their trucks into the port.

The trucks that are delayed at the pre-gates eventually end up loitering around the port corridor, only to be towed by authorities such as LASTMA, the Police, and the NPA Task Force, who impose steep penalties on the drivers. Mohammed expressed frustration over what he called a flawed system that leaves truck owners in a continuous cycle of financial and logistical distress.

He further criticized the call-up racketeering, shunting, and policy inconsistencies, which he claims contribute to the worsening traffic congestion in Apapa. Many frustrated truckers, he said, resort to bypassing the system to gain direct access, exacerbating the traffic issues.

Mohammed has called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to review the direct evacuation call-up system to ensure fairness and prevent a total collapse of traffic management in Apapa. He warned that if the situation is not addressed, it could lead to severe port congestion, disrupt trade, cause major financial losses for businesses, and have a detrimental impact on the local economy. He also suggested that the NPA either abolish the direct call-up system or impose stricter conditions to prevent further chaos. “Apapa is gradually slipping back into a traffic nightmare,” he concluded.