Talks to stall Nigeria labour unions' strike fail

By Chris Ewokor

Talks between Nigeria's main labour unions and the government over a planned nationwide strike to protest against an increase in prices of petrol and electricity have hit a deadlock.

The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have vowed to go on strike from Monday unless the government reverses the price hikes.

They have rejected proposals by the government on incentives to cushion workers from the effects of the hikes. 

The government recently withdrew subsidies on petrol. President Muhammadu Buhari said the government could no longer afford them.

Already, the cost of road transportation has gone up - affecting prices of foodstuffs. 

Many Nigerians have faulted the timing of price hikes citing a weakened economy in the wake of a strict coronavirus lockdown.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Legit.ng