The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has suspended its strike action following the Lagos State Government’s agreement to open discussions over the disputed ₦12,500 electronic call-up levy imposed on tankers operating along the Lekki–Epe corridor.

In a directive issued Tuesday to all zonal and depot chairmen, IPMAN confirmed that the decision to halt the strike came after the state government committed to meeting with key stakeholders, including the IPMAN National Executive Committee and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), for what it described as an “amicable resolution” of the issue.

The strike, which had threatened fuel supply disruptions, was sparked by concerns that the new levy was an unfair addition to the already rising cost of operations in the sector.

A statement signed by IPMAN’s National Secretary, James Terlumun Tor, said:

“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 ₦12,500 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 association emphasized unity among members and reiterated that negotiations would continue until a mutually acceptable decision was reached. The letter was also copied to major unions, including the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG and IPMAN’s Board of Trustees.

The electronic call-up levy is part of Lagos State’s attempt to regulate truck movements in the increasingly busy Lekki–Epe corridor. However, marketers argue that such levies must be implemented in consultation with stakeholders to avoid unintended consequences, such as disruptions in fuel supply or increased pump prices.

Confirming the development, NARTO President Yusuf Othman told our correspondent that loading would resume immediately.

“Our members will start lifting fuel again. We have a meeting scheduled with the Lagos State Government on Thursday,” he said.

IPMAN Vice President Hammed Fashola also confirmed the suspension of the strike but said that the levy issue had not been resolved.

“A meeting with the Lagos State Government will be held soon,” Fashola said.

With loading operations back on track, attention now shifts to Thursday’s meeting, where stakeholders hope to iron out the details of a fairer and more sustainable arrangement.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has rolled out new guidelines requiring all crude oil and petroleum product exporters to obtain export permits, vessel clearance, and a Unique Identification Number (UIN) before any shipment can leave the country.

This directive is part of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) Regulation 2024 and is designed to bolster transparency, accountability, and traceability in Nigeria’s upstream oil sector. The move comes amid mounting concerns about oil theft, under-declaration of exports, and the loss of national revenue at terminals.

According to the Commission, exporters must now use NUPRC’s online platforms to process all pre-shipment documentation, including identity verification, export volume confirmation, and the issuance of a UIN. The UIN will be embedded in all clearance notifications, allowing authorities to monitor and track every shipment in real time.

“All relevant export documents, such as the Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and cargo manifest, must reference the UIN to ensure full traceability and compliance with regulatory protocols,” the Commission stated.

The new rules come at a time when Nigeria exported crude oil and other petroleum products worth ₦12.96 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, even as the country’s refineries remain hampered by poor feedstock supply. With billions in oil revenue at stake, the NUPRC is pushing to close longstanding loopholes in export operations.

The Commission noted that the guidelines were issued under Section 10(f) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and form a “comprehensive framework” for managing all aspects of crude and petroleum product exports from Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Public Relations Unit, the Commission emphasized that the Advance Cargo Declaration system is part of a broader solution to stem systemic malpractice and boost regulatory oversight. “The ACD solution aims to enhance transparency and accountability in crude oil export operations,” the statement read.

“It aims to achieve this by establishing a robust system for declaring and tracking crude oil movement, from production to export terminals, and ensuring that only certified products are exported.”

With this system, the NUPRC seeks to monitor every barrel from its point of origin to its final exit at an export terminal, leaving a clear, auditable trail. The agency believes that this framework will significantly reduce incidences of oil theft, under-reporting, and other irregularities that have plagued Nigeria’s oil exports for decades.

Industry stakeholders and exporters are expected to begin full compliance with the regulations immediately, as the Commission ramps up enforcement mechanisms to ensure adherence.

This latest effort reinforces Nigeria’s resolve to take back control of its most valuable resource—and protect its revenue in a global oil market where accountability is becoming non-negotiable.