The Trucks Transit Parks (TTP), on Thursday, appealed for stronger regulation and deployment of digital identity technology for trucks, so as to eliminate number plate duplication in Nigerian ports.

Managing director of TTP, Jama Onwubuariri, made the appeal at a Thought Stakeholders Leadership Roundtable held at the L’Eola Hotel in Lagos.

It had the theme: “From Gridlock to Growth: Re-Imagining Port Logistics in Nigeria”.

He said that number plate duplication is one of the most recurring challenges in port logistics, and attributed the same to the absence of a unified issuing authority.

According to him, the lack of strict control had enabled drivers to clone plate numbers, borrow identity plates from other vehicles, or use fabricated numbers to access the ETO system.

Mr Onwubuariri said that the company has developed an Electronic Truck Tagging System (E-TAC) designed to attach a permanent, tamper-proof digital identity to every truck using the platform.

He explained that once the tag is altered, the truck automatically becomes invalid on ETO, preventing access fraud and identity swapping.

The MD stated that TTP is awaiting regulatory approval for a full deployment of E-TAC, while expressing confidence that its activation will erode false number plate operations.

Meanwhile, he also unveiled the ATO Interchange Transaction Number (AITN), a control mechanism created to stop illegal cargo transfers between trucks inside terminals.

He urged LASTMA, the police and security of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to intensify monitoring to ease the movement of vehicles with valid access orders.

In a goodwill message, the Lagos commissioner for transportation,  Oluwaseun Osiyemi, commended the engagement of the TTP for assisting in reducing gridlock around Lagos Metropolis.

Mr Osiyemi, represented by his director of transport operations, Olasunkanmi Ojowuro, expressed confidence that partnership and unified planning will transform Nigeria’s port operations into globally competitive logistics hubs.

On his part, the vice chairman, Ports Consultative Council of Nigeria (PCCN), Bolaji Sunmola, who was represented by Jean Chaizor-Anishere (SAN), called for urgent regulatory coordination to improve port logistics.

Speaking on the theme, “Driving Regulatory Synergy for Efficient Port Logistics and Freight Movement in Nigeria,” he highlighted some of the challenges in the nation’s ports.

He said they included overlapping regulations, manual processes, high cargo dwell time, and fragmented inter-agency operations, adding that they increase cost and delay cargo movement.

Mr Anishere called for stronger inter-agency collaboration, as well as the adoption of a functional Port Community System (PCS).

He conveyed felicitations from the chairman and reaffirmed his support for the objectives of the dialogue.

Meanwhile, the MD of TTP received commendation from port officials and maritime stakeholders for a successful implementation of the Electronic Tracking and Operations (ETO) system.

Speaking on behalf of the Lagos Port Complex, port manager,  Adebowale Lawal, who was represented by the port security officer,  Buka Kaomi, lauded TTP’s management for establishing the ETO system.

He emphasised that the NPA had committed to maintaining professionalism in line with international standards, adding that the port will welcome any technological innovations that will enhance efficiency.

Moreso, president of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Remi Ogungbemi, who also spoke on the initiative, expressed satisfaction with the ETO system.

He described it as a vital transition from analogue to digital operations, adding that only those opposed to economic growth will resist such a transformation.

In her remarks, a former manager of the Apapa port, Bolanle Olotu, urged TTP to integrate data analytics into its operations.

Ms Olotu said that leveraging data will enable the management to improve operational efficiency and decision-making.

She called on all stakeholders to collaborate effectively and maintain accountability in their respective roles.

(NAN)