Nigerian workers strike over rising fuel costs

TENS of millions of Nigerian workers began a four-day nationwide strike over rising fuel prices as labour leaders launched their latest challenge to President Olusegun Obasanjo’s economic reforms.

Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer, with exports of around 2.5 million barrels per day, and world markets were watching nervously to see if workers manage to disrupt supplies at a time when world prices are at record levels.

On September 23, petrol prices in Nigeria jumped by around 25%. The pump price has been rising since October last year when Obasanjo’s government deregulated the fuel market.