The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of enforcement of an electronic call-up system for trucks operating along the Lekki-Epe corridor, effective Monday, June 16.

Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by Bolanle Ogunlola, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the ministry.

Osiyemi said the decision followed the growing pressure on the corridor due to increased traffic from articulated trucks linked to major industrial operations in the area, including the Dangote Refinery, the Lekki Deep Sea Port, and other oil and gas facilities.

“The enforcement of the e-call-up system becomes necessary to address the persistent congestion and to ensure a more efficient movement of goods and services in the corridor,” he said.

He noted that although 360 to 400 trucks currently operate daily in the area, projections show that figure could rise to as high as 4,000 trucks daily with full operations at the Dangote Refinery.

“The system will ensure structured scheduling and access to loading points. Truck operators are required to register online, upload their Authority to Load (ATL) documents for verification, and await electronic call-up before movement,” Osiyemi explained.

According to him, the initiative aims to eliminate illegal truck parking, enhance traffic flow, and safeguard road infrastructure in the axis.

“The deployment of this system marks a significant shift in logistics and transport management in Lagos, especially in high-activity zones like Lekki-Epe. We urge all stakeholders to comply voluntarily for the system’s success,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has rejected the N12,500 charge per truck for using the e-call-up system, threatening to halt the loading of petroleum products beginning Monday.

NARTO President, Yusuf Othman, said the association had proposed a N2,500 charge instead and was still in negotiation with the state government.

“For now, we are still negotiating with the Lagos State Government. The N12,500 is too high. We recommended N2,500 from the beginning. Let’s see how it goes and if we can reach an amicable resolution. But if the government does not agree, our boys will not go and load tomorrow,” Othman said.

In response, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, clarified that the N12,500 fee was not being paid to the government.

“The amount is a user fee for the facility built by a private investor to serve truck drivers operating in the Lekki axis. The infrastructure is necessary to prevent the kind of traffic gridlock previously experienced on the Apapa corridor,” Musa said.

He urged transport unions and their members to adhere to the new traffic management structure to avoid disruption and environmental hazards.