The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has issued an ultimatum for a workers’ strike in Akwa Ibom State if the joint ban on fuel sales by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is not lifted by midnight Wednesday.
This disruption, resulting from a clash with the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe, has caused panic sales, with fuel prices soaring to N2000 per liter across the state. The NLC’s Akwa Ibom chapter expressed deep concern over the hardship faced by workers and the general populace, urging Governor Eno to intervene and investigate the causes of the crisis.
Sunny James, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom NLC, stated in a letter to the governor that the unions’ directive for members to withdraw services has left the community in distress. The NLC called for the establishment of a Petroleum Monitoring Taskforce to address these issues and ensure accountability.
The letter further urged the governor to set up a team to investigate the claims leading to the confiscation of petrol trucks and subsequent withdrawal of services. The NLC emphasized the need for timely action to alleviate the struggles faced by the state’s citizens.
In a twist, following the governor’s intervention on Wednesday, the leaders of the fuel unions agreed to lift their ban on the supply of petroleum products. They assured the governor that fuel would soon be available to the public.
The meeting revealed that two fuel trucks had been detained by federal agencies since May 2024, prompting the unions’ protests. While the governor acknowledged the limitations of his jurisdiction, he tasked the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways to coordinate with relevant authorities for further clarity on the situation.
However, not everyone is satisfied with the handling of the crisis. Sam Osung, Chairman of the Natural Oil and Gas Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), criticized the government for not taking a firmer stance against the unions, arguing that legal action would have been the appropriate response to the JTF’s actions rather than punishing consumers.
Osung detailed the JTF’s seizure of fuel trucks and alleged smuggling activities, contending that the unions have resorted to intimidation instead of pursuing legal recourse. He called for the government to address the unions’ overreach and enforce regulations to prevent further disruptions in fuel supply.
As the situation unfolds, the NLC remains vigilant, urging all parties to prioritize the welfare of Akwa Ibom residents amidst the ongoing tensions in the petroleum sector.
