By HeapNews
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called off its nationwide strike, bringing relief to motorists and easing concerns over potential fuel shortages across the country.
The strike, which saw retail outlets suspend dispensing of petroleum products, was halted after what PETROAN described as “intense negotiations” involving the Ministers of Labour and Petroleum, security agencies, and government officials who intervened in the dispute between Dangote Refinery, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Announcing the suspension on Wednesday, PETROAN’s National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, directed all members to resume lifting and dispensing of fuel from depots nationwide, including Dangote Refinery.
“We are pleased to announce the call-off of the nationwide strike. This decision is to stabilize the energy security of our dear country and bring relief to Nigerians,” Gillis-Harry said.
He commended members of PETROAN for what he described as “100 percent compliance” during the action.
“Our members demonstrated remarkable discipline and solidarity across the nation. We also appreciate Nigerians for their patience, knowing that prolonged disruptions could have caused serious hardship,” he added.
Gillis-Harry also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Labour, the Minister of State for Petroleum, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), as well as security chiefs including the National Security Adviser, the Director General of the DSS, and the Inspector-General of Police for helping to broker peace.
With the strike called off, normalcy is expected to return to the petroleum sector, with fuel supplies resuming at depots and filling stations.
“This is a positive step for the nation’s economy, and we urge all retail outlet owners to immediately resume operations,” Gillis-Harry said.