Tanker drivers in Lagos State are poised to cease loading petroleum products on Monday, citing the exorbitant N12,500 per truck fee for the E-Call Up system designed for the Lekki-Epe Corridor. This system, as clarified by Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, aims to manage the movement of articulated vehicles and tankers, ensuring a smoother traffic flow and averting the severe congestion previously witnessed in the Apapa area.

Representatives from the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) argue that the imposed fee is unsustainable, with President Yusuf Othman stating that members can only afford to pay N2,500 per truck. He emphasized that the association is currently in discussions with the Lagos State Government, seeking a reduction in this fee to make compliance feasible.

Othman acknowledged the importance of adhering to traffic rules and regulations, underscoring the need to prevent the Lekki-Epe corridor from descending into the chaotic conditions reminiscent of the old Apapa road. The drivers’ collective stance reflects a significant challenge in balancing operational costs with compliance as the government seeks to enhance road management in the city.