Truckers Laud NPA Over Suspension Of Virtual Parks

Truckers operating in the nation’s maritime domain have lauded the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority over the suspension of the processing of trucks into terminals through virtual parks.

Recall that NPA in a circular issued to stakeholders on Tuesday, through its partner Truck Transit Parks, said that all virtual parks on the  Eto platform were “halted immediately and shall remain so until further notice”.

In the notice, TTP said that all trucks coming into the ports must have been processed via the Eto platform and through a physical truck and pre-gate or an export processing terminal.

It read in part, “As part of the ongoing efforts to streamline and optimise the operational processes within the port ecosystem, the NPA has directed that processing of trucks through virtual parks should be suspended. Therefore, the operation of all virtual parks on the Eto platform is halted effective immediately and shall remain so until further notice. All trucks arriving at the ports shall have emanated from an NPA-approved physical truck park, pre-gate, or export processing terminal without exception.”

The notice added that all categories, including reefers containers and fish trucks, would continue to have unhindered access to the port but would go through an approved park before coming to the ports.

 “We are cognisant that this directive might warrant adjustments in your operations. Your cooperation and understanding during this period of evaluation and adjustment are greatly appreciated, as we collectively work towards improving and enhancing the efficiency of our port operations.”

Reacting to the development, the Council for Maritime Truck Unions and Associations commended the NPA for that decision.

In a letter titled “Commendation on suspension of virtual parks and request for investigation”, signed by the National President of COMTUA, Adeyinka Aroyewun, it called for an investigation of the proceeds of the parks.

The letter read in part, “We write this letter to express our appreciation for the recent decision by the NPA to suspend the operations of the virtual parks managed by TTP. This action is seen as a significant step towards rectifying the irregularities and fraudulent practices that have plagued the call-up regime.

 diplomatic and export cargoes to create a window to process the evacuation of those categories of cargoes.

He said that the virtual truck parks had been abused and used to move trucks into the ports fraudulently.

He said: “The entire process has been abused.”