The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has announced the suspension of its industrial action following the Lagos State Government’s decision to engage key stakeholders over the controversial N12,500 electronic call-up fee imposed on tankers operating along the Lekki–Epe corridor.
In a directive issued Tuesday to all zonal and depot chairmen, IPMAN stated that the strike was being paused in light of the state government’s formal commitment to hold negotiations with the association’s National Executive Committee and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) aimed at resolving the issue amicably.
The strike had been triggered by what operators described as an arbitrary levy introduced under Lagos State’s new e-call-up system an initiative intended to manage logistics and traffic flow in the Lekki–Epe axis. Marketers, however, have argued that the added cost would place further financial pressure on their operations and potentially affect fuel pricing across the state.
In a statement signed by IPMAN National Secretary, James Terlumun Tor, the association directed members to resume operations while discussions proceed.
“The Lagos State Government has agreed to engage the National Executive Committee of IPMAN and NARTO for amicable settlement of the proposed N12,500 levy,” the statement read.
“Sequel to the above, you are directed to suspend the strike action and resume normal work to allow time for an amicable resolution. We appreciate your cooperation and urge all IPMAN members to remain united and vigilant as we continue to engage the Lagos State Government in pursuit of a fair and favourable outcome.”
Copies of the directive were circulated to major downstream sector unions and stakeholders, including the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) unit, and IPMAN’s Board of Trustees.
Fuel Loading to Resume Immediately
Confirming the development, National President of NARTO, Yusuf Othman, said his members would resume fuel loading operations immediately. He added that a meeting with Lagos State officials has been scheduled for Thursday.
Likewise, IPMAN National Vice President, Hammed Fashola, affirmed that loading and distribution of petroleum products would restart without delay. However, he clarified that there has been no final agreement on the call-up fee itself.
“A meeting with the Lagos State Government will be held soon,” Fashola told journalists. “There’s still no decision on the actual cost to be paid for the e-call system.”
Background: Dispute Over E-Call-Up Charges
The contentious levy is part of Lagos State’s broader efforts to regulate and digitize logistics operations in the congested Lekki–Epe axis a rapidly growing hub for tank farms, seaports, and industrial activity. While the government has defended the initiative as necessary for traffic control and order, stakeholders in the downstream petroleum sector have long warned that poorly structured logistics costs could trigger price instability and operational setbacks.
With strike action now suspended, attention turns to Thursday’s meeting, where industry leaders and government representatives are expected to chart a path forward on how best to balance traffic regulation with sustainable business practices.
