Fuel marketers to withdraw from the Lekki-Epe axis over e-Call-up disputes

The Nigerian Independent Oil Marketer Association (IPMAN), the Southwest Zone, has ordered its members to stop operations along the Lekki-Epe corridor starting Monday, June 16, 2025, as a protest against the e-Call-up policy of the Lagos state government.

In a statement released on Sunday, Chairman of Zonal, Head of Oyewole Aknni, announced a boycott instructions, quoting unresolved concerns for what he described as a wave of “intimidation and harassment” that will come related to the launch of the new electronic truck scheduling system.

According to the Head of Aknni, the IPMAN National Office had previously instructed all members to suspend the distribution of fuel tankers to the depot along the Lekki-Epe corridor starting Monday.

He explained that regardless of repeated involvement with relevant government stakeholders, no resolution was achieved, and concerns raised by marketers and their partners – especially the National Association of Road Transportation Owners (Narto) – have been ignored.

“The state actor is determined to continue with the N12,500 e-Call-up search system with its own requirements without allowing good reasons, as suggested by Ipman and Narto, among others,” said Akni.

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Describe this step as a proactive step to protect its members from operational risks and financial losses, Akni stated the total withdrawal of Ipman personnel from the affected route.

“Given the concerns mentioned above, and other concerns, this association suggests all independent marketers to attract their representatives of their truck depots and drivers from the Lekki-Epe corridor from Monday, June 16, 2025, to be recommended,” the statement said.

“Please, be assured and guided that this action and others who might follow are the interests of our members and their business.”

The controversial e-Call-up system, introduced by the Ministry of Transportation of the State of Lagos, mandates the transporter of petroleum products to pay N12,500 fees to schedule access to tank farms and loading depots in the Lekki free trade zone. The marketer argues that the policy imposes an insoluble financial burden and can interfere with the distribution of products, especially in the midst of sustainable fuel supply challenges throughout the country.