Lagos Tanker Drivers Plan Strike Over E-Call Up System Fees

Lagos tanker drivers threaten strike over N12,500 E-Call Up fee

A looming crisis is unfolding in Lagos State, Nigeria, as tanker drivers threaten to suspend the loading of petroleum products from Monday. The move is in response to a contentious N12,500 fee per truck imposed by the Lagos State Government for the use of the E-Call Up system along the Lekki-Epe Corridor. This system, designed to regulate the movement of articulated vehicles and prevent congestion, has become a point of contention between the government and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

At the heart of the dispute is the cost of the E-Call Up system, which NARTO believes is exorbitant. The association is adamant that it can only afford to pay N2,500 per truck, significantly lower than the mandated fee. NARTO President Yusuf Othman emphasized the association’s preference for the initially proposed N2,500 charge, stating that discussions with the Lagos State Government are ongoing. However, he warned that if an agreement is not reached, tanker drivers will refrain from loading petroleum products, potentially disrupting the supply chain.

The Lagos State Government introduced the E-Call Up system to promote order and efficiency in the movement of heavy-duty vehicles, aiming to prevent the traffic congestion and environmental degradation that plagued the Apapa area in the past. Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has reiterated the system’s importance in ensuring smoother traffic flow. However, the N12,500 fee has sparked resistance from NARTO, which claims it is too high.

In an attempt to address concerns, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, clarified that the fee is not a revenue stream for the government. Instead, it covers the cost of facilities developed by a private investor to support tanker operations in the Lekki area. Musa urged compliance with the regulations, warning that failure to do so could lead to a recurrence of the traffic issues that previously plagued Apapa.

As the standoff between the government and NARTO continues, the fate of petroleum product distribution in Lagos State hangs in the balance. With negotiations ongoing, it remains to be seen whether a resolution can be reached before the threatened suspension takes effect. The outcome will have significant implications for the state’s economy and the daily lives of its residents, who rely heavily on the smooth distribution of petroleum products.

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