By Asaye Bankole
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 fees.
The governor’s directive followed concerns raised over the reported increase in the cost of loading sand and other quarry materials, which the government said could further increase the financial burden on residents amid rising living costs.
The directive was communicated by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Jaiyeola Alabi, during a meeting with executives of various unions representing tipper and quarry operators in the state.
The meeting involved 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, as well as the United Quarry Association.
According to the commissioner, the state government is committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to operate and thrive while ensuring that their activities do not impose unnecessary hardship on residents.
Alabi appealed to the union leaders to demonstrate fairness, understanding and compassion in carrying out their responsibilities, particularly as citizens continue to grapple with the rising cost of living and increasing prices of building materials.
He therefore directed the unions to suspend the purported fee increase pending further consultations and discussions with the government.
The meeting was adjourned until Friday, September 18, 2026, to enable the union executives to consult with their members and return with their position on the matter.
Alabi urged the union leaders to engage their members in practical and constructive discussions, stressing that an early resolution would enable the state government to consider their concerns and determine appropriate support for the sector.
Reacting to the development, the President of UTQEN, Alhaji Taiwo Odetola, thanked the state government for its concern for the welfare of residents.
Odetola noted that operators in the sector were also affected by the prevailing economic challenges, particularly the rising cost of diesel and other operational expenses.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by the government and promised to communicate the outcome of the meeting to members of the union before reporting back to the state government on the agreed date.
Earlier, the representative of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Olalekan Ogundayisi, commended participants for their contributions and constructive engagement.
Ogundayisi acknowledged the impact of rising diesel prices on businesses in the sector and appealed to the unions to resolve the issue amicably and as quickly as possible in the interest of residents.
Those present at the meeting included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Wole Akinkuotu; Director of Mineral Resources, Abiodun Jones; Deputy Director of Mineral Resources, Bidemi Oladapo; consultants and other executives of the unions.
The development comes as the Ondo State Government seeks to balance the operating challenges facing businesses in the quarry and haulage sector with concerns over the rising cost of building materials and the financial pressure on residents.
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