Petrol queues resurface in Enugu amid nationwide strike

Panic buying has led to long queues at some petrol stations in Enugu as the strike by organised labour enters its second day.

The strike was called to protest the alleged assault of Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in Imo state.

Emeka Nwabueze, a driver in one of the queues on Wednesday, said that he came to get fuel as a precaution because the strike could last for awhile.

“It is good I get this fuel to keep my running around, as I cannot afford to be held back due to lack of fuel in my car. I have someone I frequently take to the hospital for medical check-ups,” he told NAN. 

Another driver, Innocent Monday, said that it is better to join in getting the fuel now in this queue “before it becomes N800 or N1,000 per litre in the black market due to the ongoing nationwide strike”.

Apart from the chain of vehicles at these fuel stations, some petrol depots in the state capital did not open since the commencement of the strike on November 14.

Emergency shopping also surfaced in the markets as most customers were busy stocking their bags with any sort of food items and household consumables their money could afford.

Most banks within the metropolis also opened for business, while most government offices — both federal and state governments — opened for formal operations as well.

The state chapter of organised labour on Tuesday directed all workers within its affiliate unions to join the ongoing nationwide strike.

“Sequel to the resolutions of the Joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of NLC and TUC to embark on a nationwide strike, all workers under the affiliate unions of the NLC and TUC in Enugu state are hereby directed to proceed on indefinite strike from midnight of November 14, 2023,” the statement reads.

“The strike action shall continue until we receive a contrary directive from our national leaders.”