Petroleum tanker drivers in Lagos have taken to the streets to voice their opposition against the N12,500 parking fee enforced by the state government through the Electronic Call-up Systems Company.
On Monday, the drivers were joined by other truck operators, including those transporting petroleum products from the Dangote refinery and those carrying cargo from the Lekki Deep Seaport.
As a result of the protest, cargoes were stranded at the Lekki port, with owners of imported goods departing and accepting their situation.
Just a day prior, truck drivers and fuel marketers in Lagos State announced they would cease loading petroleum products from today, citing the unaffordability of the N12,500 per truck E-Call Up system fee, particularly along the Lekki-Epe Corridor.
In response, the Lagos State Government stated that implementing the E-Call Up system would proceed as planned, alleging that the unions charged drivers up to N41,000 without providing services.
The truckers, represented by the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners and petroleum tankers, represented by the Petroleum Tankers Drivers, protested along the Lekki-Epe transport corridor against the enforcement of the disputed N12,500 parking fee.
Yusuf Othman, the National President of NARTO, clarified that the truckers have temporarily halted loading operations due to the contentious fee.
“We have not declared a strike action. We have only suspended loading operations at both Lekki Port and the Dangote Refinery because the N12,500 being charged per truck by the Lagos State Government is on the high side.
“We support the electronic call-up system, but the amount can be lowered. N12,500 per truck is too much.
“While the suspension of operation is on, we are currently meeting with the Lagos State Government officials to arrive at a reasonable amount.” He said.
