Fuel scarcity looms as NARTO halts tanker loading at Dangote Refinery over disputed truck fees.
The standoff threatens nationwide supply disruptions if unresolved within 48 hours, sparking growing public concern.
SEE ALSO: Dangote Refinery Begins Direct Fuel Supply to Manufacturers
Nigeria may face an impending fuel scarcity as members of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) have suspended tanker loading activities at the Dangote Refinery in protest against a newly imposed fee for truck passage through the Lekki-Epe corridor.
In a memo dated June 14, 2025, NARTO directed its members to stop the programming and loading of petroleum tankers at the refinery, citing a stalemate in negotiations with the Lagos State Government over the E-call-up system fee. The system, designed to regulate truck movements and reduce congestion along the Lekki Port corridor, is being implemented in collaboration with Call-Up Technologies Limited.
The dispute centers on the N12,500 fee per truck, which NARTO argues is excessive given current economic realities. The association had counter-proposed a more modest N2,500 per truck, but engagements with state officials have failed to yield a compromise.
Impending nationwide fuel shortage
The protest has raised alarm across the country, as the suspension of loading operations at the Dangote Refinery, Nigeria’s largest and most strategic facility, could significantly disrupt fuel distribution if left unresolved.
Stakeholders warn that if the issue is not addressed within 24 to 48 hours, the country may begin to experience a nationwide scarcity of petroleum products, compounding economic and transportation challenges for millions of Nigerians.
The memo, signed by NARTO President Yusuf Lawal Othman, emphasized the association’s commitment to fairness and operational order but criticized the imposed fee as unreasonably high.
“Despite our continued effort and engagement, we have not reached a consensus on our proposed N2,500 per truck charge,” the statement read. “Effective June 16, 2025, all transporters are strongly advised to suspend truck programming along the Lekki-Epe corridor until an agreeable resolution is reached.”
Othman added that the association is not against the E-call-up system itself, which is intended to improve traffic flow and orderliness along the congested axis. However, he stressed that the cost of compliance must be fair and negotiable.
Open to negotiation, not stubborn
In a follow-up interview, Othman clarified that the proposed N2,500 is not fixed and could be adjusted if meaningful dialogue with the Lagos State Government occurs.
“We support the E-call system and appreciate the need for structure,” Othman said. “But the current charge is not sustainable for our members. We’re willing to negotiate a fair rate that balances the interests of all parties involved.”
He further explained that the suspension of loading is limited to the Lekki-Epe axis, where the controversial fee applies. Other routes remain unaffected for now, but the broader implication of the halt at the Dangote Refinery is enough to trigger disruptions in fuel supply chains across the country.
Tensions at the heart of fuel distribution
The standoff once again brings to light the fragile nature of Nigeria’s fuel distribution network, where a single dispute between stakeholders can cause ripple effects nationwide. With the Dangote Refinery expected to become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s petroleum industry, any prolonged halt in its operations poses a serious risk to national energy security.
Meanwhile, Lagos State officials have yet to release a public statement addressing the tanker drivers’ concerns or indicating whether the fee structure will be revisited.
Industry observers are urging both parties to return to the negotiation table to avoid an avoidable crisis that could affect transportation, prices, and economic productivity nationwide.
While NARTO’s protest is driven by legitimate economic concerns, the broader consequences of a disrupted fuel supply system could be devastating. As discussions continue, millions of Nigerians are left watching anxiously, hoping that reason prevails before the pumps run dry.
