Ondo govt, quarry operators agree on N220,000 truck loading fee

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Government has reached an agreement with quarry and truck operators to fix the loading fee at N220,000 per truck trip, resolving a dispute over a proposed increase in the state.

The agreement followed a meeting between government officials and representatives of unions representing tipper and quarry operators, according to a statement signed by the Information Officer of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Debbie Funmilayo.

The development came after Western Post reported that the state Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, had directed the unions to suspend the implementation of the recently increased truck-loading fee pending further discussions and an acceptable resolution.

Speaking on the agreement, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi, said the government had earlier directed the unions to suspend the proposed increase to enable their leaders to consult with members and agree on an acceptable rate.

Alabi explained that following consultations with relevant stakeholders, the government approved N220,000 per trip, reducing the initially proposed fee of N250,000.

He said the new rate was designed to balance the interests of quarry and truck operators with the economic realities facing residents, thereby preventing additional financial pressure on the people.

The commissioner thanked the union executives for their cooperation and urged them to ensure strict compliance with the agreed fee. He added that continued collaboration would help the ministry address challenges affecting operators in the sector.

Speaking on behalf of the unions, the President of the Union of Tipper and Quarry Employers of Nigeria, Taiwo Odetola, said the proposed increase had been driven by rising diesel prices and other operational expenses. However, he assured the government that the unions would comply with the agreed rate and maintain peace and mutual understanding with the state government.