Nigeria Labour Congress suspends nationwide strike

The Nigerian labour union’s planned strike aimed at protesting an increase in fuel prices has been suspended.

This decision comes few days after the union had said it will go ahead with the strike, defying an order to cancel the strike by a Nigerian court which described the move as civil disobedience.

The ayuba wabba led faction of the Nigeria labour congress has suspended it's strike over the increase in the price of petrol.#RhythmNews

— Rhythmfm (@937RhythmFm) May 23, 2016

With little support nationwide and the reluctance of a second union, known as the Trade Union Congress, the possibility of a greater impact seemed slim.

The Nigerian government hoped removing fuel subsidies and increasing prices at fuel stations will alleviate the fuel crisis in the country.

However, the labour union is ready to resume negotiations with government on the increase in pump and electricity prices.

A fall in global oil prices has affected Nigeria’s economy which is heavily reliant on the commodity that makes up 70 percent of national income.

A similar decision to cut subsidies in 2012 was reversed following a wave of strikes.

Reuters