Petroleum distribution faces disruption as NARTO halts operations over Lekki-Epe access charges

The downstream petroleum supply chain may soon face disruptions as the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has instructed its members to halt the scheduling of tanker trucks for loading at the Dangote Refinery. The move is a direct response to an unresolved dispute with the Lagos State Government over newly imposed access fees for the Lekki-Epe corridor.

At the heart of the standoff is the state’s recently enforced Electronic Call-Up (E-call-up) system, operated in conjunction with Call-Up Technologies Limited. The system mandates a N12,500 fee per truck to regulate tanker traffic on the busy route. NARTO has rejected the amount, calling it “excessive” and “economically unviable,” especially given the rising cost of operations facing transporters across the country.

In a memo dated June 14, 2025, and signed by NARTO President Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, the association disclosed that it had tabled a more modest proposal of N2,500 per truck during negotiations. However, with no consensus reached, the group has opted to escalate the matter by halting programming activities for trucks accessing the Dangote Refinery.

“Transporters are operating under extremely harsh economic conditions, and this additional burden is unjustifiable,” the memo stated. “Until a reasonable fee is agreed upon, we must act to protect our members’ interests.”

The suspension, effective Monday, June 16, threatens to affect fuel distribution logistics, particularly in Lagos and surrounding areas, potentially triggering supply delays if the impasse is not quickly resolved.