Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/701/13529
From The Socialist newspaper, 18 January 2012
Nigeria: Fuel strike suspended
Nigeria's trade union leaders called off the unions' week-long general strike after the government agreed to partially reinstate the cancelled fuel subsidy.
Since the strike began on 9 January thousands of angry Nigerians have taken to the streets, defying police violence, to protest against the anti-poor and neoliberal policies of president Goodluck Jonathan's government.
What has incensed many Nigerians is seeing the enormous wealth from the country's oil export revenues being siphoned off by corrupt officials while the price of fuel has soared.
The removal of the fuel subsidy on 1 January - demanded by the International Monetary Fund - saw the price of petrol rocket from 65naira (26p) a litre to 140niara. The partial reinstatement of subsidies will bring the price down to 97naira.
The rise in the petrol pump prices has also led to an increase in the price of food and other goods because of higher transportation costs. Given the economic hardships that the majority of Nigerians already suffer - mass unemployment, widespread absolute poverty, etc - the fuel increase was 'the straw the broke the camel's back'.
The government argues that the cost of the subsidy would be better spent on infrastructure and on improving public services but few believe this will happen.
Given the widespread support for the week-long strike many Nigerians will be angered by the union leaders precipitately ending the action. Even before announcing the end of the strike the labour leaders had called for an end to street protests and demonstrations citing 'the country's security problems' as an excuse.
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In The Socialist 18 January 2012:
Anti-cuts campaign
Pensions attacks can still be defeated
Labour leadership approves the Con-Dem cuts
Cameron's attack on Scottish independence referendum backfires
Welfare Reform Bill:- Lords compromise is no victory
Ofsted: "requires improvement"
John Lewis economy: another fantasy from Corporal Clegg
Socialist Party NHS campaign
Keep private vultures out of our NHS!
Youth fight for jobs
End the slave labour culture of workfare
Socialist Party workplace news
Electricians' national meeting plans next steps in battle against pay cut
Unilever workers say hands off our pensions
South Yorkshire Stagecoach bus drivers take eighth day of strike action
Doctors support call for action
Obituary
Rob Windsor: socialist fighter and Coventry Socialist Party councillor 1964-2012
Socialist Party feature
1972 Derry - "this was murder"
Socialist Party campaigns
EDL intimidation fails in Barking
Save community schools - no to academies
Protect women's rights - oppose the abstinence bill
International socialist news and analysis
Greece: Non-payment movement against new housing tax
Irish 'poll tax' battle has begun
Nigeria: Fuel strike suspended
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