Tanker Drivers Protest N12,500 Parking Fee, Suspend Loading at Lekki Port and Dangote Refinery

Petroleum tanker drivers and other truckers on Monday protested the N12,500 parking fee imposed by the Lagos State Government through the Electronic Call-up Systems Company, leading to the suspension of loading operations at Lekki Deep Seaport and the Dangote Refinery.

The protest halted cargo movement, with many goods trapped at the Lekki Port as importers abandoned pickup attempts.

The drivers, under the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) arm of NUPENG, decried the fee as excessive and unsustainable, particularly along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

Speaking during the protest, NARTO National President Yusuf Othman clarified that the action is not a strike but a temporary suspension of loading operations.

“We support the E-call up system, but the N12,500 charge per truck is too high. We have suspended loading to push for a reduction and are currently in talks with Lagos State Government officials,” Othman stated.

The Lagos State Government has insisted on continuing with the fee collection, accusing transport unions of previously collecting up to N41,000 from truckers without offering real services.

Despite the government’s position, many tanker drivers have parked their trucks and refused to load, pending the outcome of negotiations.

The standoff has disrupted fuel distribution and cargo handling operations across the Lekki axis, raising concerns over potential supply shortages if unresolved.