THE Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) have rejected the N12,500 levy imposed per truck by the Lagos State Government under the newly introduced e-call up system for the Lekki-Epe corridor.

In separate letters to the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation obtained by The Guardian on Friday, the associations expressed concern over what they said was an unjustifiable and economically harmful charge, saying that it would lead to an increase in fuel prices and disrupt petroleum distribution across the country.

They noted that they want the system coordinated solely by the Lagos state government and not any consultant or external party that might use the opportunity to extort innocent tanker drivers trying to earn a living in an already difficult business environment.

The Lagos State Government has earlier announced that enforcement of the E-Call Up system for trucks operating along the Lekki-Epe corridor will begin on June 16, 2025, following a prior postponement.

The government said the E-Call Up system is designed to regulate the movement of articulated trucks and tankers on the corridor to ensure orderly flow and prevent gridlock similar to that previously experienced in the Apapa axis.

However, IPMAN and NARTO, in a letter addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, argued that the operational cost implications of the N12,500 fee are too heavy to bear.

NARTO, in a letter signed by its National President, Yusuf Lawal Othman, said it had earlier written to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on February 26, proposing a downward review of the charge to N2,500.

Warning that the continued silence from the Ministry is disappointing, the association noted that its members would not participate in the scheme until the levy is reviewed downward.

NARTO said: “It is therefore disappointing to note that despite repeated appeals, there has been no formal response from your Ministry regarding this critical concern.

“Furthermore, your recent letter of June 10, 2025, while addressing various aspects of the policy, appears to have deliberately omitted any mention of the contentious N12,500.00 levy, which remains central to our objection.

“While we remain open and committed to collaborating with the Lagos State Government on initiatives that improve transport efficiency and urban mobility, we must also safeguard the interests of our members and Nigerian consumers who will inevitably bear the brunt of these costs.

“This letter serves as a formal reaffirmation of our strong objection to the proposed levy. We reiterate that our members will not participate in any operational framework under this policy until the charge is reviewed downward to a fair and justifiable amount.

“Additionally, please be reminded that our legal counsel has already written to your Ministry via correspondence dated June 3, 2025, proposing an amicable resolution. A copy of that letter is attached herewith for your reference.

“In conclusion, let it be unequivocally stated that the unilateral imposition of an N12,500.00 levy per truck is unacceptable, and our Association is prepared to explore all legal and procedural means to challenge what we consider an unwholesome economic burden.

Similarly, IPMAN, in a letter signed by its National Secretary, Hon. James Terlumun Tor, observed that its members support the intent of the E-Call Up policy but will only comply if the levy is reduced to N2,500.

The association noted that it had informed the Governor of the adverse implications the fee would have on the pricing of petroleum products nationwide.

Tor said members of the association were willing to cooperate only when the charge will be brought down to a realistic and fair amount.

“Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) as an Association takes back to note that despite our various appeals to the Governor for a downward review of the levy, the Ministry of Transport has remained silent.

“Flowing from the above, we are pleased to state that our members are in full support and ready to cooperate with the Governor, only when the payment levy is reviewed down to N2,500.00 as stated earlier.”