The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has suspended its ongoing industrial action following the Lagos State Government’s decision to open dialogue with the association over the contentious N12,500 electronic call-up levy imposed on tankers along the Lekki–Epe corridor.

In a directive issued to all zonal and depot unit chairmen on Tuesday, the association said the move to suspend the strike followed a formal commitment by the state government to engage key stakeholders, including IPMAN’s National Executive Committee and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, for an “amiable resolution” of the impasse.

The strike action was initially triggered by the introduction of a new e-call-up levy and the accompanying levy, which operators had described as arbitrary and an additional burden on the cost of doing business.

A statement, signed by the association’s National Secretary, James Terlumun Tor, read in part, “The above subject matter from the letter forwarded on the 13th June 2025 refers.

“The Lagos State Government has agreed to engage the National Executive Committee of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners for amicable settlement of the proposed N12,500 levy.

“Sequel to the above, you are directed to suspend the strike action and resume normal work to allow time for amiable resolution. We appreciate your cooperation and urge all IPMAN members to remain united and vigilant as we continue to engage the Lagos State Government in pursuit of a fair and favourable outcome.”

The letter also urged all members of IPMAN to remain united and vigilant while the leadership continues to negotiate a favourable outcome.

Copies of the directive were also sent to major unions and stakeholders in the downstream sector, including the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, its Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch, and the association’s Board of Trustees.

The controversial levy is part of Lagos State’s ongoing efforts to regulate traffic and logistics operations in the Lekki–Epe area, but marketers have long argued that such charges, if not well-structured, could fuel operational costs and contribute to petrol price instability across the state.

Similarly, the National President of the National Association of Road Transport Owners, Yusuf Othman, confirmed to our correspondent that the strike was suspended on Tuesday.

Othman told our correspondent that his members would commence fuel loading without further delay. He said a meeting would be held with the Lagos State Government on Thursday.

Also, the National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Hammed Fashola, said the strike had been suspended and drivers would resume fuel lifting immediately.

Fashola, however, told The PUNCH that there was no agreement on the cost to pay for the E-Call system yet. “A meeting with the Lagos State Government will be held soon,” he said.