In a major resolution aimed at easing tensions in Lagos’ transport sector, the Lagos State Government and key transport unions have agreed to a new N10,000 enforcement fee for the electronic call-up system that regulates truck movement along the Lekki-Epe Corridor. The agreement, which comes after weeks of disputes, was forged in a high-level meeting held at the Dangote Refinery on Thursday, with facilitation from both the Lagos State Government and Dangote Industries Limited.
The agreement marks a significant shift from the previously proposed N12,500 fee, which had been met with strong opposition from petroleum marketers and truck owners. The policy was initially introduced by the Lagos State Government to better manage the growing traffic congestion along the vital Lekki-Epe route, which is key for the distribution of petroleum products, particularly with the presence of the massive Dangote Refinery and associated facilities.
Background of Disputes
Earlier this month, members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) staged a peaceful protest, withdrawing haulage and fuel trucks from the corridor. Their protest stemmed from what they described as an “exploitative, ill-timed, and burdensome” N12,500 e-call-up levy, which they believed would further strain their operations amidst already rising costs.
This protest led to a temporary halt in product lifting at the Dangote Refinery and the Lekki Seaport, disrupting operations for several days. The new agreement, however, now offers a more agreeable N10,000 levy, which the stakeholders have deemed more manageable.
New Developments and Agreements
According to a communiqué issued after the meeting, all parties—including the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi; the President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Mr. Williams Akporcha; and the President of NARTO, Alhaji Yusuf Othman—have unanimously agreed to implement the N10,000 enforcement fee.
The system, which is set to begin enforcement on August 1, 2025, aims to streamline the movement of trucks and reduce traffic congestion in the area. The e-call-up system is part of the broader effort by Lagos State to improve transport management across the city.
Looking Ahead
The Lekki-Epe corridor, which plays a crucial role in supplying petroleum products across the region, will remain under intense scrutiny as the Lagos State Government rolls out the new levy. With the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Seaport handling large volumes of products, the successful implementation of this system is seen as key to reducing operational delays.
The revised N10,000 fee, which has been agreed upon after extensive consultations, is now expected to pave the way for smoother operations on the corridor, mitigating previous concerns raised by the transport unions.
Conclusion
The resolution reached yesterday marks a pivotal step in fostering cooperation between the Lagos State Government, transport unions, and industry stakeholders. As of August 1, the N10,000 enforcement fee will be enforced, which the stakeholders hope will strike a balance between managing traffic flow and supporting the operational needs of those in the transport sector.
