The suspension on fuel sales has been lifted in Akwa Ibom after petroleum unions in the state ordered the reopening of filling stations after days of closure.
This resolution was arrived at Wednesday after a meeting between state officials and union leaders.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), through its Chairman, Francis Udoyen, and Secretary, Ekom Idemudo, had previously directed members to halt operations, leading to a statewide shutdown of fuel stations.
The move was triggered by the confiscation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) trucks by the Joint Task Force (JTF) four months ago.
Responding to the impact on residents, Governor Umo Eno called for an urgent meeting with union representatives.
According to a statement from Commissioner for Information Ini Ememobong, union leaders from IPMAN, the Petrol Tanker Drivers Association (PTD), and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) attended the discussions.
The unions agreed to lift the ban on fuel sales immediately. The statement added that the Governor acknowledged the federal nature of the confiscation but instructed the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways to investigate the case.
Additionally, plans to establish a petroleum depot in Akwa Ibom were discussed.
“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,” the statement read in part.
