Some petrol stations in Port Harcourt have reopened following the suspension of the strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
A correspondent survey across the city on Wednesday showed that many petrol stations had resumed operations.
NUPENG had earlier directed its members to embark on strike over alleged anti-labour practices by Dangote Refinery. The union also accused the company of moves to sideline its members by hiring non-affiliated drivers.
Some petrol station managers said their outlets reopened in line with a directive from the union.
At a major filling station along Eleme Road, a manager who preferred anonymity said the alleged victimisation of staff over union membership deserved proper attention.
“We are believing that all the issues raised have been given the right attention, this will ensure stability and harmony,” the manager said.
Mr Billy Harry, National President of the Petrol Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, had earlier issued a statement urging members to suspend the strike.
Harry said the decision to call off the action followed intense negotiations between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery.
“Based on the resolutions reached during the negotiations, we have to give a fresh directive to our members to open for business,” he said.
A commercial taxi driver, Mr Ekene Kamsi, described the suspension of the strike as a welcome development.
He said the price of petrol had risen sharply within 24 hours, noting, “we bought petrol at N1,800 per litre from roadside sellers.”
“With the suspension of the strike, we are hopeful that normalcy will return. We cannot afford further difficulties, we already have too many issues to grapple with,” he said.
(NAN)