The fuel crisis that caused petrol prices to soar as high as N2,500 in Akwa Ibom is seeing signs of resolution, following Governor Umo Eno’s intervention in the conflict between key players in the petroleum industry.
The crisis stemmed from a dispute involving Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), which impounded two fuel-loaded trucks belonging to the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association (PTDA) in the state, over allegations of smuggling.
In response, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) ordered its members to shut down all fuel outlets in solidarity with the affected marketers, worsening the fuel shortage.
Governor Eno convened a meeting at Government House in Uyo on Wednesday, bringing together leaders of the PTDA and IPMAN to resolve the impasse.
Commenting on the outcome, Commissioner for Information Comrade Iniobong Ememobong explained that the governor had been briefed on the confiscation of the two petroleum trucks at Ibaka in Mbo by security operatives in May 2024.
While the matter was beyond the governor’s direct jurisdiction, he instructed the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways to liaise with the appropriate authorities to investigate the issue thoroughly.
“His Excellency the governor, conscious of the hardships caused by the fuel situation, met with key stakeholders in the industry,” said Ememobong. “Representatives of IPMAN, NUPENG, and others were present with the mandate of their national executives. Though the issues fall outside his direct authority, the governor acknowledged that it occurred within his jurisdiction.”
Ememobong further explained, “The structure of the Nigerian state allows federal authorities to take action in any state, but His Excellency has agreed to engage with the federal authorities to get to the bottom of the matter.”
The high cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was also a key point of discussion, with a focus on finding long-term solutions, including the establishment of a depot to stabilize prices.
Port Harcourt Zonal Chairman of PTDA, Comrade Joseph Okafor, confirmed that the governor had assured the union he would work with relevant bodies to ensure the return of the product seized by security operatives on May 5th.
Similarly, Comrade Micheal Udofia, the representative of the National President of IPMAN, described the meeting as productive. He assured that there would be a free flow of products in the state going forward.
Udofia also noted that, having witnessed the difficulties faced by the people, Governor Eno was committed to ensuring the release of the confiscated trucks and products. He added that all fuel stations would reopen immediately.
Regarding the pricing of fuel, Udofia clarified that it would depend on the loading price from NNPCL, which remains the sole off-taker of the product from the Dangote Refinery.