Sanity returns to Lagos ports as e- call- up begins

AS the Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA) kicks off the electronic- call- up system in Lagos ports, stakeholders are optimistic that the scheme will herald a new dawn in ports’ operations.

Already, the truck owners have ordered immediate removal of trucks from the ports access road, while NPA has registered scores of them on the Eto platform.

The Guardian’s visit to the port on Monday showed that commuters can now move freely in and out of Apapa and Tincan Island ports in Lagos.

Officials of Lagos State government were seen co- ordinating traffic to ensure easy access to the ports, while trucks and tanker vehicles were only allowed to park on one lane of the express road while they wait for their turn to load.

Meanwhile, road construction has continued at Westminister outward Apapa towards Berger. The motorcycle riders now enjoy free ride with reduction in charges.

President, Association of Maritime Truck Owners ( AMATO), Remi Odugbemi, said in a notice to all truck owners tagged: “Operation move your trucks away from roads and bridges. Go to your garages and wait until you are called to come.”

Also, Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS), Uche Ejesieme, in a chat with The Guardian said the road was free to traffic now, urging the government to sustain the system. He said the easy access to the port encouraged movement of cargoes and enhanced trade facilitation.

National Vice President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents ( ANLCA), Kayode Farinto, urged the NPA management to be steadfast in enforcing the e- call- up system.

EDO State has recorded 38 new cases and four deaths from COVID- 19, as the government intensifies efforts to contain the second wave of the pandemic.

The State COVID- 19 Incident Manager, Dr. Andrew Obi, disclosed this during the virtual meeting of the State COVID- 19 Task Force, presided over by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Obi disclosed that as part of efforts to contain the spread of the virus and protect citizens, the state government increased sample collection and testing in all communities of the state.

He noted that Edo State recorded 38 new cases and four more deaths from COVID- 19 in the last 24 hours, adding: “We also recorded 50 recoveries and 414 active cases being managed at various isolation and treatment centres in the state.”