TTP Trains Licensed Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders on Ètò App Usage

In an impactful effort to address racketeering and enhance operational efficiency at Apapa and Tincan Ports, Trucks Transit Parks Ltd. (TTP) conducted a crucial training session for Licensed Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders on effectively utilizing the Ètò electronic call-up system.

The training was held at the Customs Processing Centre (CPC) Auditorium in Apapa, with support from the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, and his management team, thanks to the collaboration with TTP and the Joint Association for Licensed Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders.

During the event, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu expressed gratitude to TTP for facilitating the training, urging customs agents to leverage the skills acquired to regain autonomy in their operations. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to TTP for this essential training. I encourage all customs agents to manage their own bookings directly to reclaim control from those unscrupulous individuals who are taking advantage of their lack of knowledge and charging exorbitant fees,” Olomu stated.

Chief Emeka Chukwumalu, Chairman of the Apapa Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), highlighted the necessity of addressing inflated transportation costs and streamlining operations at Apapa Port. “This training aims to raise awareness about the Ètò Call-up System and foster discussions on reducing high cargo transportation costs in Apapa Port,” Chukwumalu explained.

Participants lauded the training for shedding light on the Ètò system, with many expressing gratitude to the Customs Command, JALCAFF, and TTP for organizing such a beneficial session. “This training clearly demonstrated how straightforward it is to book tickets ourselves,” remarked one participant. “We now understand the correct procedures and how to avoid falling victim to fraudsters,” another added.

Mr. Irabor Akonoman, Head of Operations at TTP, sought to dispel misinformation regarding the pricing of Ètò tickets. “The official ticket price remains unchanged at N20,750. The higher amounts being paid are due to manipulation by racketeers. This training aims to empower you with practical knowledge of booking procedures,” Akonoman stated.

“When transporters handle their own bookings, they gain visibility into the status of their trucks, the duration they’ve been in the system, and can ensure transparency in their operations. Licensed agents play a crucial role in enhancing logistics efficiency at our ports,” Akonoman emphasized.

Additionally, Mr. Eze Uchendu, Chairman of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Apapa Chapter, urged agents to remain open to learning the system and called for greater accountability from terminal operators to expedite truck processing.

The training marks a significant advancement in reforming port access procedures, increasing transparency, and restoring trust in the operations at Apapa and Tincan Ports. TTP reaffirmed its dedication to ongoing stakeholder engagement and cooperative efforts to improve the Ètò system for the advantage of all port users.