The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have announced an indefinite strike beginning Monday, September 8, 2025.
The decision followed an emergency meeting held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, where both unions resolved to shut down all filling stations across Delta State from 6:00 a.m. on Monday until further directives are issued by their national leadership.
In Sokoto, residents also woke up on Monday to find filling stations locked and petroleum tankers grounded. Union officials were seen closing several outlets and halting movement of trucks along Gusau Road and other major highways linking the state to neighbouring areas.
Eyewitnesses said enforcement teams placed barricades at strategic points, effectively disrupting the supply and distribution of fuel within Sokoto metropolis.
A NUPENG enforcement member, who requested anonymity, told our correspondent, “We received an instruction from our national leaders at midnight to enforce this shutdown. We are only carrying out orders.”
The sudden action has already triggered fears of fuel scarcity, with motorists and commuters worried about potential hikes in transportation fares. A commercial tricycle operator in Sokoto, Bello Musa, expressed frustration: “I came out early to work and found that most filling stations are closed. If this continues, transport fares will go up, and it will affect everybody. We don’t even know the reason for this strike.”
Meanwhile, in a circular distributed to marketers in Delta, the unions warned that any filling station found operating during the strike would be fined ₦1 million.
The notice read in part: “Arising from an emergency meeting today, 6th September 2025, IPMAN and NUPENG have agreed that as from Monday, 8th September 2025, all filling stations should remain closed pending further directives from our national leadership. Any station found wanting will pay a fine of ₦1 million. Please pass this message round, as injury to one is injury to all.”
The development is expected to disrupt fuel supply in Delta, Sokoto, and possibly other parts of the country, as petroleum marketers often act in solidarity during such strikes.