Amanze ChinonyeThe Lagos State Government has reached an agreement with major transport unions to implement a ₦10,000 e-call-up fee for trucks operating along the Lekki-Epe corridor, effective August 1, 2025.
The decision, jointly announced by the Lagos Ministry of Transportation and stakeholders from the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), marks a strategic move to address growing concerns over traffic congestion in the area.
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Under the new arrangement, only trucks registered on the state’s digital e-call-up system and listed on the Approved Truck List will be permitted access to the Lekki Free Zone and its adjoining facilities, including the Dangote Refinery and the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
The ₦10,000 fee reduced from the initially proposed ₦12,500 is intended to cover operational costs associated with managing the call-up system and maintaining designated truck parks. Government officials emphasized that revenue from the initiative will not be diverted to public coffers.
Speaking on the development, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, said the system will help eliminate the type of gridlock that once plagued the Apapa port axis.
“We are determined to ensure that the Lekki corridor does not descend into the chaos we saw in Apapa. This system is designed to maintain order and safety as traffic volume increases,” he said.
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In preparation for the rollout, truck operators are being directed to complete the onboarding process and ensure their vehicles are listed on the approved database. Sensitization campaigns and stakeholder engagement forums have also been scheduled to educate drivers and depot managers on compliance protocols.
The call-up system will be supported by seven designated truck parks equipped with CCTV surveillance, restrooms, loading areas, and temporary lodges for drivers. According to the government, these parks will serve as holding bays to prevent indiscriminate parking and route blockages along the corridor.
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Leaders of the transport unions, who participated in the consensus meeting, described the policy as a welcome intervention provided its implementation remains transparent and equitable. Truck drivers or logistics companies who fail to comply with the new policy risk being denied access to the Lekki corridor, officials warned.
The e-call-up system is part of the broader “Lekki Regional Transport Plan,” which seeks to manage the expected increase in cargo and commuter traffic as industrial operations scale up across Lagos’ eastern axis.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
