The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government to urgently address the deplorable condition of the Calabar–Itu highway or risk a shutdown of petroleum operations at the Calabar Depot.

In a letter dated March 2, 2026, and signed by the Calabar Unit Chairman of IPMAN, Mr. Robert Obi, and Secretary, Mr. Victor Nnanna, the association warned that failure to fix the road within the stipulated period could lead to the suspension of operations by tank farms, depots and filling stations in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

IPMAN said the near collapse of the highway has severely disrupted the transportation of petroleum products from depots in Calabar to several parts of the country.

The association noted that marketers from neighbouring states, including Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu, have been affected, as many now avoid lifting products in Calabar due to the risks on the road.

According to IPMAN, several petroleum tanker trucks conveying products from Calabar have been involved in accidents on the highway, leading to huge financial losses for operators.

The association added that the situation has forced many marketers to abandon the petroleum business due to heavy losses.

Meanwhile, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG has also called for urgent government intervention, describing the condition of the Calabar–Itu highway as a serious safety risk for drivers transporting petroleum products.

In a letter signed by the Zonal Chairman of PTD, Port Harcourt Zone, Mr. Joseph Okafor, and the Zonal Secretary, Dr. Kalu Eke, the union said the road has for decades hindered economic activities between Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Enugu states.

The union noted that the poor state of the highway has led to driver fatalities, revenue losses for the union and the government, and increased risks in the transportation of petroleum products.

The unions warned that if urgent action is not taken within the 21-day ultimatum, they may suspend the lifting and distribution of petroleum products from Calabar.