Amid growing fears of fuel scarcity in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to commence the nationwide distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) starting August 15. The refinery will deploy 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas-powered tankers to ease fuel delivery across the country.
This development comes as tanker drivers and petroleum marketers in Lagos threaten to halt operations over the state’s new E-Call Up system. The drivers, under the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), are resisting the N12,500 per truck levy for access to designated parks in the Lekki-Epe corridor—an initiative designed to control traffic and reduce gridlock.
NARTO and IPMAN argue that the cost is excessive and unsustainable, proposing a reduced fee of N2,500. They also allege poor park infrastructure and lack of proper stakeholder engagement. In response, the Lagos State Government insists that the policy will proceed as scheduled and clarified that the fees are paid to private investors, not the government. Officials accuse unions of collecting up to N41,000 from drivers without offering any real service.
While talks continue, the unions have advised their members to halt fuel loading until a resolution is reached—raising concerns over a looming fuel crisis. Dangote’s intervention, which includes free delivery, a credit scheme for bulk buyers, and support infrastructure, is seen as a strategic move to bypass distribution bottlenecks and support the federal government’s economic reforms.
