The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced an indefinite strike in Akwa Ibom State starting on September 26, 2024, due to the recent fuel price surge to N2,500 per litre. This action is a response to the nationwide shutdown of independent petrol stations by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN) in solidarity with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTDs). The shutdown followed the seizure of fuel-laden tankers by military operatives over alleged smuggling in the Mbo area.
The NLC criticized the state government's inaction regarding the fuel crisis, urging Governor Umo Eno to set up a task force to investigate the issue and address the suffering of workers and citizens. The strike aims to protest the impact of the fuel price hike and demand urgent intervention from the state government.