Economy
e-Call-Up: Fuel Scarcity Looms as Marketers, Truck Drivers Threaten to Shutdown Operations
By Adedapo Adesanya
There could be petrol scarcity in Lagos because stakeholders under the umbrella of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have ordered their members at the Dangote Refinery loading depots to suspend the programming of tankers for loading petroleum products, in protest against the enforcement of the e-call up system at the Lekki Port corridor by the Lagos State Government from Monday, June 16.
Recall that recently, the Lagos Government announced the e-call-up system would become operational on the same day, a development that has drawn the ire of these stakeholders. They noted that if the issue is not resolved within the next 24 to 48 hours, it could result in a nationwide scarcity of petroleum products.
The groups expressed strong opposition to the N12,500 fee imposed for the e-call up service, which is being implemented by the Lagos State Government in partnership with Call-Up Technologies Limited.
NARTO President, Mr Yusuf Lawal Othman, disclosed that his organisation had proposed a payment of N2,500 per truck, instead of the N12,500 charge being demanded, adding that despite several engagements with relevant stakeholders, no consensus has been reached on the fee structure.
Part of NARTO’s Memo dated June 14, 2025 said, “This is to formerly address the recent directive issued by the Lagos State Government regarding the commencement of the N12,500 e-call-up system for trucks operating along the Lekki-Epe corridor.
“Despite our continued effort and engagement, we have not reached a consensus with the relevant authorities on our proposed N2,500 per truck charge which we believe is more equitable and reflective of the current economic realities.
“In light of this unresolved issue, effective from June 16, 2025, all transporters are strongly advised to instruct their depot representatives to suspend the programming of trucks for movement along the Lekki-Epe Corridor until a mutually agreeable resolution is achieved.
“We appreciate your cooperation and urged all members to remain united and vigilant as we continue to engage the Lagos State Government in pursuit of a fair and sustainable outcome.”
On his part, the National Secretary of IPMAN, Mr James Terlumun Tor, in a statement explained that, “Despite our continued effort and engagement, we have not reached a consensus with the relevant authorities on our proposed N2,500 per truck charge which we believe is more equitable and reflective of the current economic realities.
“In light of this unresolved issue, effective from June 16, 2025, all transporters are strongly advised to instruct their depot representatives to suspend the programming of trucks for movement along the Lekki-Epe Corridor until a mutually agreeable resolution is achieved.
“We appreciate your cooperation and urged all members to remain united and vigilant as we continue to engage the Lagos State Government in pursuit of a fair and sustainable outcome.”
