Marketers Call for Urgent Review of Call-Up Fee
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has appealed to the Lagos State Government to reduce the recently increased electronic call-up parking fee for trucks from ₦12,500 back to ₦2,500. This plea was made by IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chinedu Ukadike, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.
Ukadike warned that the hike, if left unaddressed, could lead to a rise in the pump price of petrol, a development that could ripple across the country’s energy sector.
Electronic Fee Hike Sparks Protest, Halts Fuel Deliveries
The increase in the truck parking fee — implemented by the Electronic Call-up Systems Company under the Lagos State government — sparked protests among truck drivers on Monday. In response to the ₦12,500 charge, many drivers suspended operations, disrupting fuel and cargo movements from key logistics hubs, including the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Seaport.
Ukadike revealed that during a recent stakeholders’ meeting, there was consensus that the call-up fee should revert to ₦2,500, describing the new fee as “exorbitant and unbearable” for petroleum marketers.
“This excessive amount will inevitably push up the pump price of petrol, which we are striving to keep stable,” he said. “Our goal is to protect the energy supply chain and ensure security of fuel access nationwide.”
Road Transport Unions Join in Opposition
The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have also voiced strong opposition to the revised fee. Protests by these groups were held along the Lekki-Epe corridor, adding pressure on the Lagos government to reconsider the policy.
NARTO’s National President, Yusuf Othman, clarified that they have not initiated a formal strike but have temporarily suspended loading activities at the Lekki Port and Dangote Refinery as a form of protest.
“We are not against the electronic call-up system itself,” Othman said. “It’s a useful innovation. But the ₦12,500 per truck charge is simply too high. The cost must be fair and reflect current market realities.”
Talks Ongoing to Resolve the Standoff
Both IPMAN and NARTO confirmed that discussions with officials from the Lagos State government are ongoing. The aim is to reach a compromise that addresses revenue generation needs while safeguarding the operational viability of petroleum marketers and transporters.
Stakeholders warn that failure to reach a resolution could lead to more severe supply disruptions and further economic strain on consumers, especially if fuel prices are affected.
As negotiations continue, industry players are urging the government to prioritize stability in the energy and logistics sectors, given their critical role in national economic development.