Nigeria braced for general strike
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.LAGOS (Reuter) - Nigeria, reeling from labour and political unrest, faces more turbulence this week when a general strike begins as part of concerted efforts to force the military government to free the presidential claimant, Chief Moshood Abiola.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), grouping 41 trade unions, decided on Friday that its 3.5 million members would stay at home from Wednesday after failing to persuade the head of state, General Sani Abacha, to free Chief Abiola.
'We didn't want a general strike but we have no choice but to call one, because General Abacha won't listen to us,' an NLC official said.
One of two striking oil workers' unions said it would boycott talks due today on a stoppage that is hurting oil production, the lifeblood of the economy. 'We won't be attending, because the government has not shown enough seriousness on all the issues,' said Arthur Onoviran, spokesman for Pengassan, the white-collar oil union. Its junior partner, Nupeng, is also likely to boycott the meeting.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments