A fresh fuel crisis may be approaching across Nigeria as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) jointly oppose the Lagos State Government’s N12,500 levy per truck under the new E-Call Up System.
The E-Call Up System, slated for full enforcement on June 16, 2025, is designed to regulate truck movements and ease traffic along the Lekki-Epe corridor. However, stakeholders argue the cost of compliance is too steep and economically unsustainable.
In strongly worded letters to the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, both associations warned that unless the levy is slashed, the consequence could be a nationwide fuel price hike and severe disruption to the petroleum supply chain.
NARTO’s letter, signed by its National President, Yusuf Lawal Othman, and dated June 11, 2025, stated:
“We had respectfully proposed a downward review to N2,500.00 per truck to reflect equity, affordability, and broader national interest. It is disappointing that despite repeated appeals, there has been no formal response from your Ministry regarding this critical concern.”
The group recalled an earlier letter dated February 26, 2025, addressed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which was acknowledged by the Chief of Staff on February 27. NARTO accused the Ministry of deliberately excluding the controversial levy from its latest communication.
“Your recent letter of June 10, 2025, while addressing various aspects of the policy, appears to have deliberately omitted any mention of the contentious N12,500.00 levy, which remains central to our objection,” the letter added.
Echoing this position, IPMAN also expressed its dissatisfaction. In a letter signed by its National Secretary, Hon. James Terlumun Tor, the group lamented the economic hardship the policy would impose on its members and ordinary Nigerians.
“We informed the Governor of the negative consequences the proposed payment would have on petroleum product pricing nationwide,” the letter read.
“Despite our appeals, the Ministry of Transport has remained silent. Our members are ready to cooperate—only when the levy is reviewed down to N2,500.00 per truck.”
Both associations expressed concern over the involvement of private consultants in managing the E-Call Up System, warning of possible extortion and inefficiencies in an already strained economic environment.
“We demand that the coordination of the scheme be handled solely by the Lagos State Government, without third-party intermediaries,” NARTO stated.
IPMAN warned that the current levy would lead to increased distribution costs, pushing up pump prices and further straining the average Nigerian consumer.
Legal action is now being considered. According to NARTO, its legal team had already reached out to the Ministry on June 3, proposing a peaceful resolution. However, if unresolved, both groups indicated they were prepared to challenge the decision in court.
The next few days are critical as the enforcement date approaches. Nigerians may face yet another round of fuel price hikes if consensus isn’t reached.
