IPMAN, NARTO ask Lagos to reduce proposed levy for truck drivers on Lekki-Epe corridor

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) have called for a review of the Lagos state government’s imposition of a N12,500 levy per truck under the e-call up system for the Lekki-Epe corridor.

On June 2, the Lagos state government said the e-call-up system for articulated vehicles and tankers was introduced to minimise traffic congestion in the area. 

Speaking on TVC Television’s ‘Your View’ programme on June 11, Shola Giwa, special assistant to the governor of Lagos on transportation, said the state government has been engaging with stakeholders for almost two years, adding that the levy collection will commence on June 17.

“There’ll be pushback. But the governor has given us the mandate and we will enforce this,” Giwa said.

In separate letters to the Lagos state ministry of transportation, dated June 11, IPMAN and NARTO expressed concern over what they described as an “unjustifiable charge”.

NARTO: UNJUSTIFIABLE ECONOMIC BURDEN

In a letter addressed to the permanent secretary of the ministry of transportation, Yusuf Othman, NARTO’s national president, said the N12,500 fee imposes unsustainable operational costs.

“It is therefore disappointing to note that despite repeated appeals, there has been no formal response from your Ministry regarding this critical concern,” the letter reads.

NARTO noted that its members would not participate in the scheme unless the levy is reviewed downward to N2,500.

Othman reiterated the association’s willingness to cooperate with the government but said the fee remains a central issue of contention.

The group warned that it is prepared to explore all legal and procedural means to challenge what it considers an unreasonable economic burden.

“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,” NARTO said.

IPMAN CALLS FOR FAIR LEVY

Similarly, IPMAN, in a letter signed by James Tor, its national secretary, said it supports the e-call-up policy’s intent but will only comply if the levy is reduced to N2,500 per truck.

“Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) as an Association is taken 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,” the association said.

“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 (Two Thousand Five Hundred Naira) Only as stated earlier on.”

The group also cautioned that the fee could adversely affect the pricing of petroleum products nationwide.