Friday August 8, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
By Udeme HOSEA
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, in Akwa Ibom State had embarked on a statewide strike action yesterday, protesting the impoundment of their trucks in Mbo in 2024. The strike led to a limited supply of petroleum products in the state, with only major marketers like NNPC, AP, Rain Oil, A A Rano, and a few others dispensing.
After hours of dialogue earlier today with the Akwa Ibom State Petroleum Products Monitoring Committee, PPMC, led by Hon Godwin Ekpo, chairman of the PPMC, and IPMAN executives at Luton Park Hotels, Uyo, IPMAN decided to call off the strike action, saying their decision is to ensure peace and stability in the state.
Addressing the gathering, the state Chairman of IPMAN, Comrade Francis Udoeyen, stated that the decision to suspend the strike action was in the interest of the Akwa Ibom public, noting that IPMAN will continue to engage with relevant authorities to address their concerns regarding the impounded trucks and ensure a resolution.
Comrade Udoeyen commended PPMC for wading into the issue to ensure stability in petroleum products supply.
In his remarks, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Sunny James, applauded IPMAN for calling off the strike, assured them of the NLC’s support for peaceful resolution of industrial disputes, and emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving issues affecting workers and the general public in Akwa Ibom State.
