ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has suspended its industrial action following the Lagos State Government’s decision to initiate dialogue over the contentious N12,500 electronic call-up levy imposed on tankers operating along the Lekki–Epe corridor.
The suspension was announced in a directive issued on Tuesday to all zonal and depot unit chairmen.
IPMAN stated that the decision came after the Lagos State Government made a formal commitment to engage key stakeholders including IPMAN’s National Executive Committee and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) for an “amiable resolution” of the dispute.
The strike, which disrupted fuel distribution activities, was prompted by the introduction of the e-call-up levy, which operators criticised as arbitrary and a further strain on their operational costs.
In a statement signed by IPMAN’s National Secretary, James Terlumun Tor, the association referenced its earlier letter dated June 13, 2025, stating “The above subject matter from the letter forwarded on the 13th June 2025 refers.
“The Lagos State Government has agreed to engage the National Executive Committee of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners for amicable settlement of the proposed N12,500 levy.
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“Sequel to the above, you are directed to suspend the strike action and resume normal work to allow time for amiable resolution.
We appreciate your cooperation and urge all IPMAN members to remain united and vigilant as we continue to engage the Lagos State Government in pursuit of a fair and favourable outcome.”
The directive also encouraged members to maintain unity and remain alert as talks progress.
Copies of the letter were forwarded to key industry stakeholders, including the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch, and IPMAN’s Board of Trustees.
The controversial levy, part of Lagos State’s broader traffic and logistics regulation efforts in the Lekki–Epe corridor, has drawn criticism from marketers, who warn that poorly implemented charges could inflate operational costs and destabilise fuel prices across the state.
Confirming the development, the National President of NARTO, Yusuf Othman, said that the strike had been suspended and that his members would resume fuel loading without further delay.
He added that a meeting with the Lagos State Government is scheduled for Thursday.
Similarly, IPMAN’s National Vice President, Hammed Fashola, confirmed that fuel lifting operations would resume immediately.
However, he clarified that there was still no agreement on the amount to be paid for the e-call-up system.
“A meeting with the Lagos State Government will be held soon,” he said