- The tankers driver cited concerns over the N12,500 fee per truck
- Musa emphasized the importance of compliance with the regulations
- NARTO President disclosed that discussions ongoing with the Lagos State Government
Tanker drivers in Lagos State have announced their intention to suspend the loading of petroleum products starting Monday, citing concerns over the N12,500 fee per truck imposed under the E-Call Up system operating along the Lekki-Epe Corridor.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the system was introduced by the Lagos State Government, aims to regulate the movement of articulated vehicles to ensure smoother traffic flow and prevent congestion similar to the situation previously experienced in Apapa.
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While Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has stressed that the E-Call Up system is designed to promote order and efficiency in the movement of heavy-duty vehicles, members of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) have expressed dissatisfaction with the cost, insisting that they can only afford to pay N2,500 per truck instead of the mandated N12,500.
NARTO President Yusuf Othman noted on Sunday that discussions with the Lagos State Government are ongoing, emphasizing the association’s preference for the initially proposed N2,500 charge.
“For now, we are still negotiating with the Lagos State Government. The N12,500 is too high. We recommended N2,500 from the beginning. Let’s see how it goes and if we can reach an amicable resolution. But if the government does not agree, our boys will not go and load tomorrow,” Othman said.
Olawale Musa, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation clarified that the fee is not intended as government revenue, but rather serves to cover the costs of privately-developed facilities designed to support tanker operations in the Lekki area.
According to Musa, these facilities play a crucial role in preventing traffic congestion and mitigating environmental degradation in the region.
He emphasized the importance of compliance with the regulations to avoid a recurrence of the traffic issues previously experienced in Apapa.
