The National Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have jointly expressed strong dissatisfaction over the imposition of a N12,500 electronic call-up (E-call up) system levy per truck at the Lekki Deep Blue Seaport, introduced by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
In a statement signed by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media for MWUN, both unions condemned the levy, describing it as outrageous and economically insensitive, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s current economic hardship and rising cost of petroleum products.
NARTO, in a letter addressed to the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, had earlier raised objections to the implementation of the levy, stressing that the financial burden is not only unrealistic but inequitable given the prevailing economic conditions.
The union highlighted that such a policy would inevitably lead to increased operational costs, which could further compound the already strained logistics and transport sector.
Despite their initial plea and request for dialogue, NARTO noted that the Ministry has yet to convene a meeting to discuss the concerns raised. The group emphasized that a levy of this nature, imposed without stakeholder consultation, is detrimental to the broader interest of Nigerians, especially as transport costs continue to surge nationwide.
While voicing their concerns, both NARTO and MWUN reiterated their willingness to support reforms aimed at improving traffic management and port efficiency.
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