The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) yesterday announced changes to truck entry protocols, saying manual presentation of number plates and Minimum Safety Standards (MSS) stickers at port gates will no longer be allowed.
In a notice issued by Truck Transit Parks Limited, NPA’s technical partner for traffic management, the agency emphasized the transition to automated verification as the sole method for entry.
In the notice titled ‘Updates on Port Entry Requirements for All Truck Categories’, it was also stated that all trucks approaching the port must have their number plates riveted/fastened to the truck in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Part of the notice reads : “In line with the recent review of entry procedures for trucks accessing the port, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has approved some modifications to address notable gaps in the existing entry protocols.
“These changes aim to eliminate entry infractions and tackle issues such as identity theft and the unauthorized exchange of truck documents used to perpetrate port entry fraud. Consequently, the NPA has directed the immediate implementation of the following revised measures, effective February.
“All trucks approaching the port must have their number plates riveted/fastened to the truck in compliance with regulatory requirements.
“Trucks must securely affix the original copies of the mandatory Minimum Safety Standards (MSS) stickers to their windscreens as a precondition for port entry.
“Manual presentation of number plates and MSS stickers at port gates will no longer be accepted from the effective date.
“The revised protocol will take full effect from the stated deadline (February 3, 2025). All truck operators and stakeholders in the port ecosystem are hereby advised to ensure strict compliance, as violations will attract severe sanctions.”