04 January 2012, Sweetcrude, ABUJA – Nigeria’s main labour unions on Wednesday threatened to launch indefinite strikes next week if the government does not backtrack on a controversial measure that has doubled petrol prices.
“After exhaustive deliberations and consultations with all sections of the populace, the NLC, TUC and their pro-people allies demand that the presidency immediately reverses fuel prices to 65 naira,” a statement signed by the heads of the two unions said.
“If the government fails to do so, they direct that indefinite general strikes, mass rallies and street protests be held across the country with effect from Monday, 9th January, 2012.”
The NLC and TUC, the country’s two main labour unions, had held meetings earlier in the day to work out strategies.
Nigeria ended fuel subsidies on Sunday, which caused pump prices to more than double to about 141 naira (0.66 euros, $0.96) per litre in a country where most people live on less than $2 per day.
The country has been rocked by increasingly volatile protests over the issue.
