The National Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have expressed strong opposition to the newly implemented e-Call Up system levy of ₦12,500 per truck at the Lekki Deep Blue Seaport by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
This position was disclosed by Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media for the MWUN.
The e-Call Up system was introduced to manage truck traffic and reduce congestion around depots and industrial areas. However, both unions have voiced concerns over the financial burden the levy imposes on transport operators and the potential ripple effects on the broader economy.
According to Ikemefuna, NARTO had earlier opposed the fee, describing it as outrageous and insensitive, especially given the rising cost of petroleum products.
In a formal letter to the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, NARTO outlined how the levy undermines principles of fairness and affordability, particularly at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship.
Despite this communication, Ikemefuna lamented that the Ministry has yet to respond or initiate a dialogue with the unions. He stressed that NARTO’s stance is rooted in the broader implications of the levy for both its members and the general public, insisting that imposing such charges in the current economic climate is unrealistic and detrimental.
While affirming their support for the idea behind the E-Call Up system and the need to streamline port operations, both NARTO and MWUN are urging the Lagos State Government to reconsider the implementation strategy. Ikemefuna emphasized that their objection is not to the policy itself but to the manner in which the levy was introduced, without adequate stakeholder engagement.
The unions are appealing directly to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and facilitate a meeting between NARTO and the Ministry. They believe such a dialogue is essential to reaching a fair and mutually beneficial resolution to the dispute.