Lagos Truck Drivers Protest Sharp Sand Price Surge Amid Economic Pressures

A growing economic crisis has led to a standoff between truck drivers and the Dredgers Association in Lagos State, as members of the Ikorodu-Ketu Truck Owners and Drivers Association launched a peaceful protest over a sudden surge in the cost of sharp sand.

On Monday, dozens of truck operators gathered at their operational base in Ikorodu to demonstrate against the recent price jump. The cost of 30 tons of sharp sand, a key material in construction, reportedly rose from ₦126,000 to ₦178,500 within weeks—an alarming ₦52,000 increase that has disrupted their operations.

Drivers Decry Unbearable Price Hike

According to Mr. Sikiru Aderoju, chairman of the association, this marks the third price increase in less than three months. He expressed deep concerns over the ripple effect on their businesses.

“We had just settled into the new ₦126,000 rate after previous hikes. Now, it’s ₦178,500. Our customers can’t afford this and have stopped booking deliveries,” Aderoju lamented.

Allegations of Market Manipulation

Another truck owner, Mr. Oluwaseun Adelaja, described the situation as a calculated attempt to edge out independent transporters. He noted that the cost of sharp sand was only ₦85,000 in July 2024, which climbed to ₦110,000 in November, then ₦126,000 in January 2025. The current spike, however, threatens the sustainability of their businesses.

“While we’ve managed past increases due to rising diesel and maintenance costs, this latest price hike feels like a move to monopolize the market,” Adelaja said.

Reports of Assault During Protest

A driver, Mr. Sodiq Owolabi, also recounted being assaulted by thugs allegedly working with the dredgers during a previous protest.

“They took me to their barracks and beat me up. I was only trying to shield my boss from harm,” he claimed.

The drivers called on the Lagos State Government to intervene and demand fair pricing from the dredgers to ensure affordability and market balance.

Dredgers Justify Price Surge

Responding to the protest, Mr. Tunde Adigun, Chairman of the Ikorodu Dredgers Association, defended the increase. He cited soaring operational costs and supply-chain disruptions as the cause.

“It now costs over ₦100 million to purchase a truck that was ₦39 million. We also dredge from deeper waters, nearly 4km offshore, which raises our expenses,” he explained.

Adigun also insisted that the association had held meetings with truck unions before the price changes.

“Every adjustment was made with prior dialogue. We’ve even shut down five dredging sites due to lack of profitability. Some of our international partners, including Chinese firms, have exited,” he added.

Economic Tensions Escalating

The dispute underscores broader economic challenges affecting Nigeria’s construction and transport sectors. As sand is a foundational material for building projects, sharp increases in its cost could impact both public and private infrastructure development.