June 16, (THEWILL) – Petrol scarcity looms in the country following the decision of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, and the National Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, to boycott the Lekki-Epe corridor from Monday.
The two unions on Sunday took the decision to withdraw their trucks from the Lekki-Epe corridor, which hosts major investments including the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and key oil and gas infrastructure, in response to the directive by the Lagos State government to enforce a technology-based electronic call-up system as from Monday, June 16, 2025.
Speaking in the directive on Sunday, the state government said it was forced to enforce the new technology following the rising traffic on the Lekki-Epe corridor, which is being caused by heavy duty trucks.
According to the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the enforcement of the e-call-up system will begin from Monday, June 16, to manage truck movement in the corridor.
Fearing that the situation could get worse and unmanageable to the discomfort of other motorists when Dangote Refinery commences full operations, Osiyemi noted that the government was taking a proactive measure to restore order, prevent gridlock, and called on the unions for understanding.
According to him, 360 to 400 trucks currently operate daily, but this figure could increase significantly with full operations at the Dangote Refinery.
“The refinery alone could dispatch between 3,000 and 4,000 trucks daily,” Osiyemi said, adding that “ the e-call-up system will help regulate truck movement through structured scheduling, reducing chaos on the roads.
Explaining the details of the e-call-up system, Osiyemi said truck operators will be required to register online and upload their Authority to Load (ATL) documents for verification.
He said, “Only validated and cleared trucks will access designated parks, awaiting an electronic call-up notification before proceeding to their loading points. The system is designed to reduce illegal parking, improve traffic flow, and protect road infrastructure along the corridor. The initiative is a bold step towards transforming logistics and transport management across Lagos, especially in fast-developing areas like Lekki-Epe.”
Osiyemi called for voluntary compliance from all stakeholders to ensure the system’s success and reduce traffic challenges in the region.
In their separate reactions on Sunday, NARTO President, Mr. Yusuf Lawal Othman and James Terlumun Tor National Secretary of IPMAN, 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.
According to Othman, NARTO had proposed a payment of N2,500 per truck, instead of the N12,500 charge being demanded, adding that despite several engagements and representations with relevant stakeholders, no consensus has been reached on the fee structure.
He said, “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 urge all members to remain united and vigilant as we continue to engage the Lagos State Government in pursuit of a fair and sustainable outcome.”
IPMAN’s James Terlumun Tor said, “The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) formally wish to address the recent directive issued by the Lagos State Government regarding the commencement of the ₦12,500 (Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Naira) E-Call Up System for trucks operating along the Lekki-Epe Corridor.”
He said that despite continued effort and engagement, the union has not reached a consensus with the relevant authorities on the proposed N2,500 per truck charge which the union believes 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 urge all members to remain united and vigilant as we continue to engage the Lagos State Government in pursuit of a fair and sustainable outcome,” he said.
Coming on the heels of the announcement by Dangote Petroleum Refinery on Sunday that it would begin nationwide distribution of Premium Motor Spirit and diesel from August 15, 2025, this clash between the Lagos State government, IPMAN and NARTO could spell doom for petrol supply nationwide.
Dangote Refinery said on Sunday, “Dangote Petroleum Refinery is pleased to announce the commencement of a significant national initiative designed to transform Nigeria’s fuel distribution landscape.
“Effective 15th of August 2025, the refinery will begin the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit and diesel to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecoms firms, aviation, and other large users across the country, with free logistics to boost the distribution network.”
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