The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have rejected the Lagos State Government’s planned ₦12,500 levy for trucks along the Lekki–Epe corridor. They are demanding a reduction to ₦2,500 per truck.
NARTO, in a circular signed by its National President, Yusuf Lawal Othman, directed all transporters and depot representatives to suspend truck movement on the corridor from June 16, 2025. This move follows the state government’s plan to implement the levy under a new e-call up system starting June 17.
“We proposed ₦2,500 per truck as a fair charge,” Othman said. “However, the government ignored our appeals and gave no formal response.”
Government Plans Full Enforcement
Lagos State introduced the e-call up system to reduce traffic caused by tankers. The goal is to streamline depot access and improve corridor efficiency.
Appearing on TVC’s ‘Your View’ on June 11, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s special assistant on transportation, Shola Giwa, defended the fee. He stated that the state had engaged stakeholders for nearly two years.
“There’ll be pushback,” Giwa admitted. “But the governor has given us the mandate, and we will enforce this.”
NARTO, IPMAN Label Fee Unjustified
In a letter to the Lagos Ministry of Transportation dated June 11, NARTO described the levy as an unjust and unsustainable cost.
“It is disappointing that the ministry hasn’t responded to our repeated appeals,” Othman wrote.
He added that NARTO would explore all legal and procedural options to challenge what he described as an “unwholesome economic burden.”
Similarly, IPMAN submitted a protest letter on the same day. Signed by National Secretary James Tor, the letter warned that the fee could drive up the cost of fuel nationwide.
“We support the e-call up system,” IPMAN said. “But we will only comply if the levy is reduced to ₦2,500.”
The association warned that the ₦12,500 charge could severely disrupt petroleum pricing and logistics.
Risk to National Supply Chain
The Lekki-Epe corridor is a vital route for petroleum product distribution. Any disruption in truck movement could delay supply from key depots and terminals.
NARTO’s suspension order threatens to cripple fuel logistics if unresolved. Stakeholders fear the standoff could cause national supply bottlenecks and hike product prices.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has yet to respond officially to either association.
