The National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has directed its members to suspend all tanker programming for loading petroleum products at the Dangote Refinery, effective Monday, June 16, 2025.
The directive, issued through an internal memo signed by NARTO President, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, follows a breakdown in negotiations with the Lagos State Government over the controversial Electronic Call-Up (E-call-up) system recently implemented along the Lekki-Epe corridor.
Under the system, operated in partnership with Call-Up Technologies Limited, every truck must pay a ₦12,500 access fee to enter the corridor. NARTO has rejected the charge, calling it “unfair and unsustainable” amid worsening economic conditions and operational costs.
“Despite several efforts and engagements, we have not reached any agreement on our proposed fee of ₦2,500 per truck, which we believe is fair and reflects the tough economic conditions transporters are currently facing,” the June 14 memo stated.
The association has now instructed all member transporters and their depot representatives to halt the programming of tankers for access to the Dangote Refinery pending the outcome of further negotiations.
This development raises the risk of a potential fuel distribution crisis nationwide, especially as the Dangote Refinery gradually increases its output. The refinery is expected to play a major role in stabilizing local fuel supply, and any disruption to its distribution pipeline could trigger widespread shortages.
Industry observers are urging urgent intervention from both Lagos authorities and the Federal Government to resolve the impasse and avoid further pressure on Nigeria’s already fragile fuel supply chain.
