Fuel hike: Petroleum Unions lift ban on sale of petroleum products in Akwa Ibom

By Maxwell Nwafor, Akwa-ibom

Petroleum Unions in Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday lifted ban on sale of petroleum products in the state.

Recall that the leadership of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria in a press release signed by it’s Chairman, Comrade Francis Udoyen and Secretary, Prince Ekom Idemudo, directed its members to close their fuel stations which made no filling station to sell fuel in the state since two days ago.

The ban followed the confiscation of trucks of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Joint Task Force (JTF) four months ago.

The governor worried by the hardship the action has generated in the state convened a meeting with the petroleum unions in the state according to a press release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong.

The statement mentioned the leadership of the unions who were in attendance to include: Sir Michael Udofia and Joseph Otu of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Comrade Francis Udoyen and Joseph Okafor of the Petrol Tanker Drivers Association (PTD), as well as Comrade Godwin Okono and Comrade Raphael Chukwuwu from the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

The release noted that the union leaders agreed to lift the ban with immediate effect.

“The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, met today with leaders of key unions in the petroleum sector to address the issues that led to the recent ban on the sale of petroleum products in the state.

“During the meeting, the Governor was informed that two petroleum trucks were confiscated in Mbo Local Government Area by federal agencies and have been detained since May 2024. While acknowledging that the matter falls outside his jurisdiction, the Governor has directed the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways to liaise with the relevant authorities to ascertain the facts of the case.

” Additionally, he expressed his commitment to exploring the establishment of a petroleum depot in Akwa Ibom State.” The release read in parts.