Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has directed tipper and quarry operators in the state to suspend the implementation of the recently increased truck-loading fee.
The directive was disclosed in a statement signed by Debbie Funmilayo, Information Officer, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, following a meeting between the state government and executives of the unions representing operators in the sector.
The meeting was convened after the government received reports concerning the increase in charges for loading sand and other quarry materials, amid concerns that the development could further raise the cost of construction for residents.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi, conveyed the governor’s directive, asking the unions to halt the new charges pending further consultations and an agreement acceptable to all parties.
Alabi urged the union leaders to take into account the economic difficulties confronting residents, particularly the rising cost of living and increasing prices of building materials.
He said the Aiyedatiwa administration remained committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive while ensuring that their activities did not impose undue hardship on the people.
The President of the Union of Tipper and Quarry Employers of Nigeria, Taiwo Odetola, acknowledged the government’s concerns but attributed the increased charges to the high cost of diesel and other operational expenses affecting members of the sector.
The meeting was adjourned to Friday, September 18, 2026, to enable the union executives to consult their members and return with their position, after which further discussions with the state government will determine the way forward.
