By Idowu Addison
In a move to streamline the movement of empty containers into port terminals, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has introduced a Movement Code for empty containers, which must correspond with the details captured on the Electronic Call-Up System (ETO) before access to the terminals is granted.
A Movement Code is a unique identifier generated by a holding bay for every empty container uploaded onto the Electronic Call-Up (ETO) platform.
Under the new policy, the code has become a mandatory requirement for completing the truck-container matching process and must be obtained by truck drivers from the designated holding bay before proceeding to the port.
According to a notice issued to stakeholders and obtained by Logistically Connected, 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 corridor.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said the new requirement forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Electronic Call-Up system, improve compliance with port access protocols, and promote a more seamless evacuation and return of empty containers.
Part of the Notice reads:”Following our recent engagement with holding bays,we wish to inform all stakeholders of the introduction to movement code for empty containers matching on Eto platform.
“This unique update is designed to ensure that trucks are matched only to the specific empty container they are authorised to convey. It will also help to prevent the practice of matchimg to unrelated containers to secure an earlier position, followed by request for container changes closer to port entry.”
The new policy has elicited mixed reactions from the trucking community. While some operators have welcomed the guidelines as a step towards improving efficiency in the movement and return of empty containers, others have criticised the policy, arguing that it could complicate the process and create additional bottlenecks in returning empty containers to the ports.
Reacting to the development, the Head of Research and Technical at the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Mr. Adeshina Ajibola, described the initiative as a welcome development aimed at enhancing transparency and eliminating the practice of matching unrelated empty containers solely to secure earlier access into the port.
Ajibola also said that this policy should significantly improve operational discipline if implemented effectively adding the success of the policy will depend not only on the introduction of the Movement Code itself, but also on the governance framework supporting it.
The Association also sought clarification on the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the issuance and use of Movement Codes, stressing the need for transparency in the implementation process.
It further requested details of the agency or organisation responsible for enforcing compliance with the SOP, as well as the governance and monitoring framework established to ensure consistent adherence by all stakeholders involved in the movement and return of empty containers.
