Fuel distribution in Lagos and surrounding states now faces a full-scale shutdown. The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) arm of NUPENG began a strike on Monday, citing continued harassment of drivers by Lagos task force officials near the Dangote refinery and Ibeju-Lekki axis.
In a memo issued early Monday, NUPENG directed members to stop all loading and truck movements until further notice.
The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) had already halted operations on Sunday. The group is protesting Lagos State’s new ₦12,500 e-call up levy on trucks operating along the Lekki–Epe corridor, calling instead for a ₦2,500 charge.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) also rejected the fee. In a June 11 letter, IPMAN warned it would trigger higher fuel prices nationwide. The group supports the e-call up system but insists compliance depends on reducing the levy.
Now, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has joined the resistance. In a circular dated June 13 and signed by National President Prince Dr. Billy S. Gillis-Harry, PETROAN directed all zonal and state chairmen to halt truck programming and loading for the Lekki-Epe corridor from June 16, 2025.
PETROAN stated that despite continued stakeholder engagement, the Lagos State Government has refused to adopt the industry-backed ₦2,500 rate. The group described the official levy as unjustifiable under current economic conditions and urged members to remain united as discussions continue.
With NARTO, IPMAN, NUPENG, and now PETROAN suspending activities, depot operations across the Lekki axis—including Dangote’s terminal—have effectively shut down. This corridor serves as a critical route for nationwide fuel distribution.
The Lagos State Government has not issued a formal response to the growing backlash. The full implementation of the e-call up system is still scheduled for Tuesday, June 17.
