After halting operations on the Lekki–Epe corridor, truck drivers under the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) have temporarily suspended their strike.
In a letter dated June 13, 2025, IPMAN directed its zonal leaders to resume work following the Lagos State Government’s commitment to open formal talks.
The strike, which began on Monday, was sparked by a new N12,500 e-call-up levy imposed per tanker along the corridor. Drivers described the fee as “arbitrary” and an added economic burden. The Lagos administration recently implemented an electronic call-up system to manage truck traffic and reduce gridlock alongside several key transport hubs, including the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Seaport.
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IPMAN’s National Secretary, James Terlumun Tor, confirmed the resumption of fuel lifting, citing the government’s offer to negotiate. NARTO President Yusuf Othman and IPMAN’s Vice President Hammed Fashola also affirmed the suspension of industrial action in preparation for discussions, noting that the government has yet to agree on the actual levy amount.
While the N12,500 fee remains at the centre of the dispute, lawmakers and transport operators argue that it should have been set at N2,500, which they deem more reasonable. Lagos State officials have defended the levy as covering private infrastructure costs of the e-call-up system, insisting it is not a government revenue tool.
Regional news outlets like Vanguard warn that the strike threatened to create fuel shortages in Lagos by stalling tanker movement. To avoid disruption, both parties have agreed to dialogue, with meetings scheduled, including a stakeholder session on Thursday.
It’s still unclear if the government will revise the fee. For now, strike action is off the table as drivers resume operations with negotiations underway.
