The electronic call-up truck management system initiated by the Lagos State Government to prevent a repeat of the Apapa port gridlock is encountering significant hurdles due to disagreements with key stakeholders. The two main parties involved are the Lagos State Government, which is leading the initiative, and the Dangote Group, the primary operator in the Lekki Port corridor.
Reports indicate that the state government aims to involve all stakeholders in the call-up system, while the Dangote Group has expressed reluctance to participate, citing insufficient truck park capacity provided by the government. With the recent commencement of operations at the Dangote Refinery, trucking activity has surged without the call-up system or any temporary solutions to manage the resulting traffic.
Dangote Refinery stated that it could have offered adequate truck park capacity prior to operations but was discouraged by the state, which claimed it would provide the necessary facilities.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Timi Koledu, Managing Director of Call-up Technologies, stated that the e-call-up system is fully operational and equipped with the necessary IT infrastructure.
A stakeholders meeting held recently at the Lagos State Secretariat addressed these issues. Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi, announced that the e-call-up system would launch on September 23, 2024, promising to resolve any operational challenges as they arise.
Mr. Yinka Akande, representing the Dangote Group, highlighted the company’s plans for a truck park that were stymied by the government’s assurances of providing facilities. He criticized the late notice of the meeting, which he received less than 48 hours prior, but emphasized the group’s commitment to engage constructively despite the challenges.