Truck Loading Fee: Ayedatiwa Directs Union to Put New Price on Hold

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has directed the unions representing tipper and quarry operators in the State to put on hold, the implementation of the recently increased truck-loading fee pending further discussions and the attainment of a mutually acceptable resolution.

The directive was conveyed by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Jaiyeola Alabi, following a critical engagement with executive members of the Unions of Tipper and Quarry Employers of Nigeria (UTQEN); the Association of Sand Quarry Operators, Tipper Owners and Suppliers; the Laterite Suppliers and Sand and Quarry Suppliers; and the United Quarry Association.

The meeting was convened in response to reports received by the Ondo State Government concerning the recent increase in the cost of loading sand and other quarry materials in the State.

The Commissioner emphasized that Governor Aiyedatiwa remains committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive while ensuring that the activities of operators do not impose undue hardship on the people of the State.

Engr. Alabi urged the union leaders to demonstrate fairness, understanding and compassion in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that the rising cost of living, coupled with the increasing prices of building materials, continues to place significant financial pressure on ordinary citizens.

Consequently, the Commissioner directed the unions to put the purported increase on hold pending further consultations and discussions. The meeting was unanimously adjourned until Friday, September 18, 2026, to allow the union executives to consult with their members and return with their position.

The Commissioner encouraged the union leaders to engage in practical and constructive discussions with their members, assuring them that a prompt response would facilitate the State Government’s consideration of their concerns and support for the sector.

Reacting, the President of UTQEN, Alhaji Taiwo Odetola, appreciated the State Government for its concern for the welfare of citizens, noting that operators in the sector are also integral members of society and are equally affected by the prevailing economic challenges.

Alhaji Odetola acknowledged the concerns raised by the government but explained that the high cost of diesel and other operational expenses had significantly increased the cost of running their businesses.

He assured the Ondo State Government that he would communicate the outcome of the meeting to his members and revert to the State Government on the agreed date.

Speaking earlier, the representative of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr. Olalekan Ogundayisi, appreciated the participants for their contributions and constructive engagement.

He acknowledged that the prevailing cost of diesel was having a significant impact on the operations of businesses in the sector, but appealed to the unions to resolve the matter amicably and expeditiously in the interest of the people.

Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Wole Akinkuotu; Director of Mineral Resources, Mr. Abiodun Jones; Deputy Director, Mineral Resources, Engr. Bidemi Oladapo; consultants; and other members of the Union executives.