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| New e-fee aims to unblock port access roads. |
Lagos State and tanker operators have agreed to cut the e‑call‑up fee from ₦12,500 to ₦10,000 starting August 1, 2025. This move follows tense talks after a brief strike by drivers upset over high charges that clogged key corridors and stalled fuel deliveries. The new rate aims to balance park funding with drivers’ budgets, while keeping traffic moving smoothly on the Lekki‑Epe route.
Stakeholders met on July 19 to hash out terms. LASTMA, NARTO, the state transport ministry and local lawmakers joined the talks. They reviewed data showing 360–400 tankers use the corridor daily. Traffic gridlock costs Lagos over ₦4 trillion each year in lost productivity and delays. The fee cut will still cover park maintenance, tech upgrades, and planned expansion of parking slots to meet growing demand.
Under the e‑call‑up system, drivers register online, upload load permits, and wait for timed entry slots. Park operators then call trucks forward when it's their turn. This method prevents long queues on public highways and speeds up deliveries. Since its trial launch on June 16, the system has cut roadside backups by 30%, according to state traffic data.
Some small operators warn ₦10,000 still strains trucker budgets. They propose tiered rates or discounts for local fleets. Freight associations also call for clearer spending reports from the ministry. In response, Lagos officials promise to publish quarterly breakdowns of levy revenues and park expenditures.
Commuters on the corridor have felt faster trips since the levy took effect. Travel time from Lekki to the Free Trade Zone fell by 20 minutes at peak hours. Yet, refinery dispatch periods still cause delays. The transport commissioner says park call‑up slots will be fine‑tuned after August launch to smooth peaks.
Business owners warn higher haulage costs could raise prices for food and goods. They urge the state to keep monitoring fees against transport inflation. Lawmakers say they will review data mid‑year to decide on any further rate tweaks.
Traffic experts say rate cuts alone can’t solve gridlock. They call for road widening, asphalt repairs, and bypass lanes to handle truck volumes. But they praise the levy cut as a key step toward a more organized corridor.
As the August 1 date nears, all eyes turn to the first week of full implementation. Stakeholders say they will track park occupancy, wait times, and system uptime daily. That data will help refine schedules and guide future expansions.
Lagos’ e‑call‑up rate cut shows how collaboration can ease chronic transport issues. Balancing revenue needs and drivers’ costs remains crucial. If the new fee holds steady, it may serve as a model for other Nigerian states grappling with similar tanker traffic woes.