The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has introduced a movement code to regulate the movement of empty containers into seaport terminals and reduce traffic congestion caused by container trucks along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors.
Under the new policy, the movement code will serve as a unique identifier generated by a holding bay for every empty container uploaded to the Electronic Call-Up (ETO) platform. The code must match the details captured on the ETO system before trucks are granted access to port terminals.
In a notice issued to stakeholders, the NPA said the movement code is now a mandatory requirement for completing the truck-container matching process. Truck drivers are required to obtain the code from designated holding bays before proceeding to the ports.
According to the authority, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that each truck is matched exclusively to its designated empty container, eliminating multiple allocations, improving traffic management and enhancing operational efficiency within the port corridors.
The NPA said the new requirement forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the electronic call-up system, facilitate the seamless evacuation and return of empty containers, and improve compliance with port access protocols.
The authority said the policy followed recent engagements with operators of holding bays and was introduced to curb abuse of the ETO platform.
“Following our recent engagement with holding bays, we wish to inform all stakeholders of the introduction of the movement code for empty container matching on the ETO platform,” the notice stated.
According to the NPA, the update is intended to ensure that trucks are matched only with the specific empty containers they are authorised to transport.
The authority added that the measure would also prevent the practice of matching trucks to unrelated containers to obtain an earlier position in the queue before requesting changes to the designated container closer to port entry.
