Aiyedatiwa Suspends Truck Loading Fee Hike In Ondo

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed unions representing tipper and quarry operators in the state to suspend the implementation of the recently increased truck-loading fee pending further consultations.

The directive was conveyed by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Jaiyeola Alabi, during a meeting with executives 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 followed reports of an increase in the cost of loading sand and other quarry materials in the state.

Alabi said Governor Aiyedatiwa remained committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive while ensuring that operators did not impose undue hardship on residents.

He urged the union leaders to “demonstrate fairness, understanding and compassion” in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that rising living costs and increasing prices of building materials were putting financial pressure on residents.

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

Reacting, the UTQEN President, Taiwo Odetola, thanked the state government for its concern for residents, noting that operators in the sector were also affected by the prevailing economic challenges.

Odetola, however, explained that “the high cost of diesel and other operational expenses had significantly increased the cost of running their businesses.”

He assured the government that he would communicate the outcome of the meeting to members and revert on the agreed date.

A representative of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Olalekan Ogundayisi, acknowledged the impact of diesel costs on operators and appealed to the unions to resolve the matter amicably.
He urged them to do so “in the interest of the people.”

The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Wole Akinkuotu; Director of Mineral Resources, Abiodun Jones; Deputy Director, Mineral Resources, Bidemi Oladapo; consultants and union executives.