Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has taken decisive action in response to a dramatic surge in petrol prices, which recently skyrocketed to N2,500 per litre.
The Explainer learned, the price hike was triggered by a dispute between the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Akwa Ibom State Council, and the Joint Task Force on Security.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to the State Government, announced the formation of a 13-member monitoring committee for petroleum products. Former lawmaker Godwin Ekpo has been appointed as the committee’s chairperson, with Peggy Edoho from the Ministry of Transport serving as secretary.
The committee’s membership spans various sectors, including key government officials such as the commissioners for Environment and Mineral Resources, Internal Security, and Waterways.
Additionally, the chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state and Victor Etefia, an aide to the governor on petroleum matters, have been included to ensure diverse representation.
This announcement came shortly after Governor Eno met with IPMAN members, whose withdrawal of services had precipitated the dramatic price increase.
The petroleum marketers had instructed their members to cease operations, citing the alleged confiscation of their trucks by the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe.
The effects of this action were immediately felt across the state. Not only did petrol prices soar, but transportation costs tripled, prompting the NLC to call for a workers’ strike.
Sunday James, the NLC chairperson in Akwa Ibom, stated, “The actions of the petrol marketers have worsened the plights of the impoverished workers in the state.”
The union had urged the state government to intervene, a request that appears to have been heeded with the formation of this committee.
In a parallel development, Governor Eno has also established the Security Trust Fund Board of Trustees. Paul Usoro, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, will chair this board, with civil engineer Uwem Okoko serving as vice-chairperson.
Other members include retired colonel Kingsley Umoh as secretary, alongside Raymond Abia and Asuquo Ita.
Both newly formed committees are scheduled for inauguration on Friday, as confirmed by the Secretary to the State Government.
