The Lagos State Government has temporarily suspended the enforcement of the Electronic Call-Up (E-Call-Up) system for petroleum tankers and trucks operating along the Lekki-Epe corridor. This decision follows demands from key transport unions, including the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation confirmed that the suspension was to facilitate further discussions between union leaders and their members regarding the implementation of the system.
The statement read: “Following a meeting at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Transportation, the Lagos State Government has acceded to the request of union leaders from NUPENG, IPMAN, NARTO, and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG to temporarily halt the enforcement of the E-Call-Up system. This will allow the unions additional time to engage with their members on the new system’s requirements.”
The ministry further stated that union leaders had committed to ensuring their members comply with designated parking regulations while discussions continue. However, the government warned that if violations occur, the E-Call-Up system would be enforced without further delay.
All stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged the importance of the E-Call-Up system as a critical measure to regulate truck movement and ease congestion along the Lekki-Epe axis.
The meeting was attended by Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Olawale Musa, as well as representatives of NUPENG, IPMAN, NARTO, and PTD.
The E-Call-Up system was introduced to streamline truck movements and reduce gridlock caused by indiscriminate parking and congestion along the Lekki-Epe corridor, particularly with the growing activities at the Lekki Deep Seaport and Dangote Refinery. However, resistance from petroleum transport unions has led to a temporary suspension as discussions continue on the best way forward.
