NPA introduces 72-hour access window for export trucks to avert congestion

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says it has opened a 72-hour access window for all export trucks to access designated terminals.

The NPA made this known in a notice to stakeholders dated April 16, titled ‘Important Update: Revised Access Window for left-Pregated Export Trucks,’ issued by the management of Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP).

According to the agency, the new policy is aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion around the port access roads, and failure to use the window would result in deactivation. 

“The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has issued an important notice for all stakeholders in the port ecosystem. Effective from next Monday, April 22, 2024, a new policy will be implemented regarding access to the port (terminal) for left-pregated export trucks,” NPA said.

“72-hour access window: All left-pregated export trucks will now have only 72 hours to access the designate terminal after leaving the export processing terminal (EPT).

“Automatic ticket deactivation: Failure to access the port within the 72-hour window will result in the automatic deactivation of the truck’s access ticket.

“Revalidation process: Trucks with deactivated tickets due to exceeding the 72-hour window must return physically to the EPT for revalidation.”

The NPA further encouraged truckers to plan to reach the port within the designated time frame.

On April 16, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the national single window (NSW) project to boost trade in Nigeria.

The initiative is aimed at reducing paperwork and transitioning to digital submissions for exports and imports.