The fuel supply chain in Lagos, Nigeria, experienced a disruption in late February 2025 due to a standoff between tanker drivers and the Lagos State Government. Tanker drivers, responsible for transporting petroleum products from depots and refineries to filling stations, initiated a strike, halting fuel loading and distribution. This action stemmed from accusations of harassment, extortion, assault, and unlawful seizure of their trucks by the Lagos State task force. The drivers alleged that approximately 30 trucks were impounded during a nighttime raid at their Lekki Free Trade Zone parking area. The government, however, countered this claim, stating that only 11 trucks were seized and subsequently released. They maintained that their officials were enforcing the e-call-up system, a digital platform designed to manage truck traffic, when they were attacked. The strike led to fuel shortages at numerous filling stations, prompting concerns about potential economic repercussions.
The crisis abated following negotiations between the government and representatives of the tanker drivers. The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) confirmed the release of the impounded trucks and arrested drivers, signaling a resolution to the immediate dispute. Both parties reportedly reached an amicable agreement, although the specifics remained undisclosed. While the government maintained that only 11 trucks were involved, NARTO emphasized the principle of harmonious cooperation, regardless of the number of vehicles seized. They stressed the vital role tanker drivers play in the fuel supply chain, highlighting their importance to the economy and urging the government against policies that could hinder their operations under the guise of revenue generation.
The resolution brought relief to various sectors affected by the fuel shortage. Filling stations reopened, resuming their operations and alleviating concerns of prolonged fuel scarcity. Telecommunication operators, who had expressed fears that the lack of diesel supply would disrupt their services, were also able to resume normal operations. Similarly, the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, which had warned of a potential nationwide cooking gas shortage due to the imposition of levies on petroleum trucks, saw their concerns addressed with the resumption of fuel transportation. The swift resolution underscored the interconnectedness of the fuel supply chain with various critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Despite the resolution, underlying tensions persisted regarding the implementation of the e-call-up system. The Lagos State Government insisted on its commitment to enforcing the system, scheduling full enforcement to commence on March 1, 2025. They warned that future violations would be met with the full force of the law. The e-call-up system, intended to regulate truck movement and alleviate traffic congestion in the Lekki-Epe corridor, had become a point of contention between the government and tanker drivers. While the government viewed it as a necessary measure for traffic management, the drivers perceived it as a potential source of further harassment and extortion.
The looming March 1 deadline for full enforcement of the e-call-up system raised concerns about potential future conflicts. The tanker drivers’ earlier strike demonstrated their willingness to take action against what they perceived as unfair treatment. The government’s insistence on enforcing the system, coupled with the drivers’ apprehension, created an environment ripe for potential future standoffs. This situation highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the government and tanker drivers to ensure a smooth transition to the new system and avoid further disruptions to the fuel supply chain.
The fuel crisis in Lagos underscored the vital role of tanker drivers in the Nigerian economy and the delicate balance required between government regulation and the needs of essential service providers. The incident highlighted the importance of clear communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to finding solutions that address the concerns of all stakeholders. The successful resolution of the immediate crisis provided a window of opportunity for constructive engagement between the government and tanker drivers to address the long-term challenges associated with fuel transportation and traffic management in Lagos. The implementation of the e-call-up system remained a potential flashpoint, requiring careful management and ongoing dialogue to prevent future disruptions to the fuel supply chain and the broader economy.
