Drivers Decry Rising Operational Costs as Soaring Sand Prices Threaten Livelihoods and Stall Construction Projects
Ikorodu, Lagos State – May 6, 2025 — Tensions flared in Lagos on Monday as members of the Ikorodu-Ketu Truck Owners and Drivers Association staged a peaceful protest against the Dredgers Association over what they describe as an unsustainable hike in the price of sharp sand.
The demonstration took place at the operating base of the Truck Drivers Association in Ikorodu and drew dozens of protesting truckers demanding an urgent review of pricing policies they claim are crippling their business.
According to the drivers, the price for 30 tons of sharp sand has been arbitrarily raised from ₦126,000 to ₦178,500 — an increase of over 40% — without adequate consultation or notice. The new rate, which took effect on April 14, is already driving customers away, leaving many trucks idle and operators frustrated.
“Our Livelihood Is at Risk”
Chairman of the Association, Mr. Sikiru Aderoju, said the latest increase marks the second in just two months, making it nearly impossible for truck owners to remain profitable.
“We are protesting the Dredgers Association’s indiscriminate increase in the price of sharp sand. Just two months ago, we agreed to a new price of ₦126,000 after an earlier increment. Now, they have added ₦52,000, bringing the price to ₦178,500. Our customers can no longer afford it, and they’ve stopped patronising us,” Aderoju lamented.
Another truck owner, Mr. Adelaja, accused the Dredgers Association of trying to monopolize the market.
“As of July 2024, 30 tons of sharp sand cost ₦85,000. It rose to ₦110,000 in November and then ₦126,000 in January 2025. We accepted those increases, citing the rising costs of diesel, maintenance, and spare parts. But last week, it jumped again to ₦178,500,” he said.
“We believe the dredgers are trying to dominate the market with their own trucks. Their pricing and rotation policies are affecting our access to customers.”
Allegations of Assault
Beyond pricing, the protest also brought up troubling allegations of violence. Mr. Sodiq Owolabi, a truck operator, recounted an incident of alleged assault by security personnel working with the Dredgers Association during a previous protest.
“I was trying to protect my boss when some thugs and security personnel attacked me. They held me down, took me to their barracks, and beat me up,” he alleged.
The truckers are now appealing to the Lagos State Government to intervene by reviewing the pricing system and ensuring a more transparent and equitable structure for both sand suppliers and transporters.
Dredgers Respond: “We’re Also Struggling”
Responding to the protest, Mr. Tunde Adigun, Chairman of the Dredgers Association in Ikorodu, defended the recent price adjustment, citing operational costs that have skyrocketed in recent years.
“The truck drivers are our customers. I also own trucks. I bought my last one for ₦39 million; now, it costs ₦100 million. The cost of operations keeps rising. We used to pump sand from 100–200 meters offshore; now we go as far as four kilometres. That significantly increases expenses,” Adigun said.
He also rejected claims that the Dredgers Association imposed the price without consultation, stating that meetings are held regularly with the truckers’ union to communicate cost-related decisions.
“Whenever we adjust prices, we meet with their executives and explain our challenges. We don’t just impose new prices. Five dredging sites have shut down because operations are no longer profitable. Even some of our Chinese partners have pulled out,” he explained.
Addressing Allegations of Violence
On allegations of violence, Adigun said the clash was not between security operatives and truck drivers, but rather with local community members who had disagreements over tipper access.
“The security officers were deployed to maintain order. The clash was not with truck drivers but with community members who insisted that tippers be allowed to operate. The security personnel intervened to restore peace,” he said.
He also clarified that his personal ownership of trucks was a response to the truckers’ refusal to carry sand from his site.
“I bought trucks after they stopped carrying sand from my site. I’m trying to sustain my business. Just as some truck drivers own dredging operations, I’m free to do the same.”
A Call for Mediation
As both sides maintain their positions, industry observers and community leaders are urging the Lagos State Government to step in and mediate a resolution to prevent further disruption in the construction and logistics sectors.
The sharp sand market plays a critical role in Lagos’ booming real estate and infrastructure development, and prolonged conflict could affect timelines and costs for ongoing projects.
The Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has yet to issue an official response, but sources say discussions may soon commence between all stakeholders to de-escalate the crisis and address pricing sustainability.
For more information on the economic impact of rising construction material prices in Nigeria, visit NBS Nigeria Construction Data.
