Petroleum dealers in Akwa Ibom State have lifted the ban on the sale of petroleum products, assuring the public that products would be available once again, ending the three-day fuel crisis in the state, following a crucial meeting with Governor Umo Eno.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Akwa Ibom had earlier directed all marketers to shut down operations through a letter dated September 24, 2024, signed by its Chairman, Francis Udoyen, and Secretary, Prince Ekom Idemudo.
The directive came in response to the confiscation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)-loaded trucks at Ibaka by personnel of the Joint Task Force (JTF), a situation that had persisted for four months.
“As part of our collective obligation to stand for each other in season and off-season, and drawing strength from the resolution taken at our last emergency congress over members’ trucks in the custody of JTF operatives (4 months now), you are directed to close your filling station(s) to the public,” the letter stated.
It noted that non-compliance with the directive, which had the backing of the national office, would attract severe consequences.
The strike action triggered an immediate scarcity of petroleum products, pushing the black market price of fuel to a staggering N2,000 per litre. In response to the crisis, the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) directed all workers in the state to withdraw their services and stay at home until the fuel crisis was resolved.