Petroleum tanker drivers operating within the Ibeju Lekki Free Trade Zone have issued an urgent appeal to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, alleging systematic harassment, extortion, and intimidation by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) under the watch of the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Sola Giwa.
The drivers, who are responsible for transporting petroleum products from key facilities such as Dangote Refinery and Pinnacle Oil and Gas, claim they are being unfairly targeted by LASTMA operatives, often in collusion with suspected thugs. According to reports, the latest crackdown occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. on February 22, 2025, when LASTMA officials, accompanied by members of the state task force, stormed the area, towing away loaded tankers, arresting drivers, and firing shots sporadically into the air.
An eyewitness and affected driver explained that the union had previously banned night driving for safety reasons, leading many drivers to park on a single lane to continue their journeys in the morning. However, despite this precaution, LASTMA officials reportedly descended on them with force, creating panic and disruption.
The controversy surrounding the operation has deepened, with allegations that the Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Sola Giwa, and his associates are orchestrating a campaign of extortion. The most pressing concern is the imposition of a questionable N12,500 E-call up fee per tanker. Drivers argue that this fee has no legal backing and was never discussed in stakeholder meetings.
A driver, speaking anonymously, alleged: “They have turned tanker trucks into a secret source of income. The N12,500 charge is an illegal extortion attempt disguised as regulation.” Despite claims that the E-call up initiative is meant to prevent congestion, drivers insist that Ibeju Lekki has never required such measures, as loading activities have been operating smoothly.
According to them, the sudden imposition of the fee suggests a deliberate effort to extract money from their operations, raising concerns that the union leadership might be pressured into accepting the controversial charge. The drivers warned that if their operations continue to be hindered, it could lead to a fuel distribution crisis in Lagos and beyond, with LASTMA and the state government bearing full responsibility.
The drivers have also raised broader concerns about the government’s role in the crisis. They questioned why government agencies appear to be obstructing the efficient movement of petroleum products, speculating on possible ulterior motives. Some have wondered if there is an agenda against the Dangote Refinery or if authorities are attempting to create artificial fuel scarcity.
One driver lamented: “Alhaji Aliko Dangote has built a world-class refinery and is even constructing roads to support operations in the area. Yet, rather than support him, government agents seem more interested in creating obstacles for their personal gain.”
They criticized the government’s failure to provide adequate truck parking facilities despite knowing the area would become a major petroleum distribution hub. Instead of investing in road infrastructure and truck parks, the focus, they claim, has been on imposing unnecessary levies on drivers who are simply trying to do their jobs.
The tanker drivers have vowed to resist further harassment and are calling on the leadership of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG to intervene before the situation spirals out of control. Many have also linked the alleged extortion scheme to key figures, including an associate named Hassan, who is reportedly behind aggressive truck seizures in Apapa, further compounding the crisis.
“We are not just fighting for our business; we are fighting for our survival,” one tanker driver stated, emphasizing the gravity of the issue.
As tensions rise, industry stakeholders and concerned citizens are awaiting an official response from the Lagos State government. Whether Governor Sanwoolu will intervene to address the tanker drivers’ grievances remains to be seen, but for now, the petroleum transport community remains on edge, fearing that continued crackdowns could threaten Lagos’ fuel supply chain.