The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has dismantled a syndicate responsible for the production and distribution of counterfeit truck number plates.
The NPA, in a statement released on Sunday, disclosed that a total of 249 fake vehicle plate numbers and 149 Minimum Safety Standard (MSS) stickers were confiscated during the crackdown.
In its ongoing efforts to address the persistent issue of traffic gridlock, the NPA, had introduced an electronic call-up system called ‘Eto,’ managed by the Truck Transit Park Limited for the organized movement of trucks to and from the port.
Reports indicate that the application, known as ‘Eto,’ was exploited by illicit actors who significantly increased the prices for call-ups, causing disruption and financial strain. The call-up, originally priced at N21,500 by TTP, saw an alarming surge to about N150,000 per call-up.
The NPA, in response to the subversion of its electronic system, undertook a thorough spot check at the MPS Pregate, leading to the discovery of 249 counterfeit vehicle plate numbers and 149 MSS stickers.
Subsequent investigations at an undisclosed terminal revealed an additional 169 vehicle plate numbers and 133 MSS stickers not affixed to any trucks.
The statement released by the NPA stated that the terminal manager at the location where the counterfeit items were discovered has been summoned for questioning, and the confiscated plate numbers and stickers have been secured.
The NPA said that the findings validate its assertion that there is a deliberate and well-orchestrated attempt to undermine the electronic call-up system.
The system, initiated by the NPA, aims to eliminate human interface in managing port traffic, thereby alleviating the persistent issue of traffic gridlock negatively impacting the national economy.
“The NPA is however resolute in consolidating the e-call-up project and its other process automation initiatives to grow the maritime sector to its full potential,” the statement read in part.
