A potential nationwide disruption in petroleum product supply looms as the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has directed its members to halt the scheduling of tankers for loading at the Dangote Refinery depots. The move is a protest against the enforcement of a new electronic call-up system introduced by the Lagos State Government along the Lekki-Epe corridor.
NARTO, in a directive issued to transporters and depot representatives, ordered the suspension of all programming activities effective June 16, 2025. The protest stems from a disagreement over the cost of the E-call up system, which mandates a N12,500 fee per truck for accessing the corridor.
Dispute Over Fees and Negotiation Efforts
In a memo signed by NARTO President, Mr. Yusuf Lawal Othman, the association criticized the fee structure, stating that it was not reflective of current economic realities. NARTO had proposed a significantly lower alternative of N2,500 per truck, a figure it says is fair and sustainable.
“Despite our continued efforts and engagement, we have not reached a consensus on the fee structure,” the memo read. “Until a mutually agreeable resolution is achieved, we urge all our members to suspend truck programming for the corridor.”
Speaking further, Othman reiterated that the association is not opposed to the E-call up system itself, which is designed to reduce congestion and improve orderliness along the busy corridor. However, he emphasized that the financial burden it places on transporters must be reassessed.
“We support the concept of the E-call up system and the effort to bring order to the area,” Othman told Vanguard. “But we cannot accept charges that do not reflect the current realities of the haulage business. Our proposal of N2,500 is negotiable—we are open to discussions.”
Implications for Fuel Supply and the Economy
While the suspension is currently limited to the Lekki-Epe corridor, where the Dangote Refinery operates, it could have far-reaching implications. If unresolved within the next 24 to 48 hours, the halt in programming tankers may disrupt the nationwide distribution of petroleum products, potentially triggering fuel scarcity.
Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, as Nigeria’s logistics and fuel supply chains are highly sensitive to disruptions at major loading points.
Ongoing Dialogue and Possible Resolution
Despite the standoff, NARTO has confirmed that communication with Lagos State authorities remains open. The association has pledged to continue engaging with the government in hopes of reaching a resolution that balances efficiency with affordability.
“We are committed to orderliness on that axis,” Othman stated. “But we also have to ensure that our members are not overburdened by policies that could jeopardize their operations. We believe dialogue will eventually lead to a practical outcome.”
As of now, neither Lagos State officials nor Call-Up Technologies Limited has issued a formal response to NARTO’s demands. However, the situation is evolving, and a resolution may hinge on timely intervention to avert a broader logistics crisis.