Lagos: The National Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have frowned over the implemented E-Call Up system levy of N12,500 per truck.
The Head of Media, MWUN, Mr John Kennedy Ikemefuna, said in a statement on Monday in Lagos.
Ikemefuna said the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation collected the N12,500 levy at the Lekki Deep Blue Seaport.
Ikemefuna said NARTO’s management had initially objected to the levy, having written to the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
He said NARTO explained the high cost of petroleum products, which is good against equity, affordability, and Nigeria’s broader interest.
According to him, despite the plea letter written to the government, the ministry has not deemed it necessary to convey a meeting of mutual interest between the government and NARTO.
“NARTO’s argument on the levy is hinged on the economic implications and the hardship Nigerians are currently facing, and it would be unrealistic to impose such a levy on its members and for the general interest of Nigerians.
“However, NARTO and MWUN are strongly committed and positive towards the levy initiative, and it will be imperative for the Lagos State Government to give NARTO a listening ear regarding the levy issue.
“We are also appealing to His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, to intervene so that both NARTO and the Ministry could reach a mutual understanding in this regard,” he said.