There is a looming fuel crisis in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria due to tanker drivers halting fuel loading, citing alleged harassment by Lagos State Government and Federal Ministry of Transportation officials.
The most concerning aspect is that telecommunications companies are worried about a potential network blackout. The strike could disrupt diesel supplies, which are crucial for powering mobile and internet services.
It was gathered that the truck drivers could not load fuel on Saturday and Sunday, creating fears of scarcity in Lagos and other states.
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The Lagos State Government clarified that it was simply enforcing its e-call-up system, which manages truck movements in the Lekki-Epe corridor.
They warned that any attempts to blackmail the government would not succeed. The e-call-up system, launched in September 2024, aims to reduce traffic congestion in the area.
Yusuf Othman, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, expressed concerns about harassment and mistreatment of his members by government officials.
He revealed that trucks are being seized and damaged, with drivers often beaten for no apparent reason.
Othman mentioned that due to the actions of the Lagos State tax force, there was no loading on Saturday or Sunday, and he was uncertain about loading on Monday. He emphasized the ongoing conflict between his union and the tax force.
Asked if this would not lead to fuel scarcity, he replied, “Well, I wouldn’t know, but I know there was no loading yesterday, there is no loading today, and there may not be tomorrow. And all is because of this Lagos tax force.
“They are busy collecting our vehicles, giving fines and whatever. I don’t know how they will operate without fuel trucks. There is no refinery or depot in any place that can operate without a vehicle that will come and take products from them. So, they have to find a way of ensuring that we all co-exist peacefully,” he stated.
The NARTO president clarified that the ban on 60,000 trucks is unrelated to a new initiative from the Lagos State Government and the Federal Ministry of Transport.
The Lagos State Government emphasized efforts to improve traffic around the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, aiming to prevent the area from becoming like the formerly congested Apapa.
However, tanker drivers, represented by Othman, complained about government officials seizing and damaging their trucks and assaulting drivers.
This has caused disruptions, including a halt in fuel loading over the weekend, with uncertainty about resumption on Monday.
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