The introduction of an Eto electronic call-up system for batching of port-bound trucks by Trucks Transit Parks Ltd (TTP) has helped significantly in ensuring there is a free flow of traffic in and out of the port, Olufunmilayo Olotu, outgoing Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex (LPC), has said.
Speaking to journalists on the sideline of a valedictory session held on her behalf, she pointed out that the port access roads are not in the state that industry stakeholders would desire.
According to her, there is hope that the new government will place a premium on fixing the port access roads because the port is as efficient and effective as the port corridor. It is not just about the activities in the port but also activities around the port.
“The previous administration started a very good rail project that should not be abandoned but rather should be sustained so there will be cargo evacuation via road, rail, and water. That is when Nigeria can say that it is a hub in the region,” Olotu said.
On addressing Nigeria’s trade imbalance through enhanced export trade, she said, Nigeria needs to work on its reputation deficiency because the international community always dreads export coming from Nigeria but preferred the same commodity when it comes from neighbouring West African countries.
“We need to work on our integrity by bringing professionalism and transparency into the things we do so that the international community will stop seeing us as a country where anything goes,” she advised.
On her achievements, she said, LPC was able to improve trade facilitation, entrenched zero tolerance for corruption, recover money owed to the NPA, increased revenue generation and collection, and encouraged improved staff performance.
She commended the staff of the port, terminal operators, shipping companies, government agencies, clearing agents, truckers associations, security operatives, and other stakeholders in and around Apapa for their contributions to her successful tenure.
She charged the stakeholders to extend the same level of collaboration to her successor.
In his goodwill message, Mohammed Sani, secretary general of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners, commended Olotu for the pivotal role she played in the implementation of the Eto call-up system, which, he said, has helped to reduce the chaotic traffic gridlock within Apapa Port corridor.
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He said the call-up also brought sanity, and orderliness and ensured a conducive business environment at the port by ensuring quick cargo evacuation from the Apapa port.
Sani said Olotu fought for truckers in the face of extortion, intimidation, and harassment by elements within and outside the port environment.
On his part, Jama Onwubuariri, managing director of TTP, who was represented by Irabor Akonoman, commended Olotu for supporting the introduction of an electronic call-up in Apapa Port.
“She kept us on our toes to ensure that the Eto call-up system works, and the results are everywhere. We at TTP wished her success in her new endeavours,” he added.
Frederik Klinke, country managing director of APM Terminals Nigeria, lauded Olotu for her contributions to the development of the port, even as he wished her success in her future endeavours.
Klinke assured Charles Okaga, the incoming Port Manager of full cooperation and support in ensuring efficient service delivery at the port.
“For a woman to rise the way you have in the NPA, she must have outperformed the men and Olotu has been consistent and can handle her next assignment well,” said, Amy Jadesimi, managing director of Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics base (LADOL).
She described her as an inspiration to many women in the maritime industry and Nigeria as a whole.
