The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), South-West Zone, has issued a directive for its members to boycott operations on the Lekki-Epe corridor starting Monday, June 16, 2025, in protest against the newly imposed N12,500 E-Call-up levy by the Lagos State Government.
The controversial policy, which mandates petroleum transporters to pay the levy as part of a digital traffic management initiative, has sparked fierce backlash among marketers. IPMAN’s Zonal Chairman, Chief Oyewole Akanni, described the levy as an unjust financial burden placed on members already grappling with declining margins and economic strain.
Chief Akanni firmly stated that IPMAN cannot continue to absorb additional costs that threaten the financial stability of its members. According to him, the decision to withdraw services is a necessary step to protect the interests of those in the petroleum distribution chain, who are battling with mounting operational challenges.
The Lekki-Epe corridor remains a vital commercial and commuter artery within Lagos, accommodating significant daily traffic volumes and facilitating access to major economic zones. A halt in operations by petroleum transporters along this route is expected to cause immediate transport disruptions, potential fuel supply delays, and wider ripple effects across the regional economy.
This protest comes amid broader concerns within Nigeria’s petroleum sector, which has been facing headwinds due to the global transition to renewable energy and internal regulatory pressures. Industry analysts warn that the Lagos State Government's E-Call-up policy may further weaken the fragile stability of petroleum supply logistics in the state.
Many stakeholders view the government’s move as insensitive to the current realities confronting marketers. With inflation and foreign exchange challenges already squeezing profit margins, the addition of a flat-rate levy could push smaller operators out of business entirely.
The implications of IPMAN’s boycott extend well beyond traffic congestion. A disrupted fuel distribution chain may affect local businesses, public transport, and even emergency services, compounding pressure on a population still navigating the economic aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As tensions escalate, Lagosians and industry observers await the government’s next steps. Whether this standoff leads to policy revision or further confrontation, the impact of IPMAN’s decision to withdraw from the Lekki-Epe corridor will be felt city-wide—and perhaps nationwide.