Some government ministries, departments and agencies in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital were closed on Tuesday as part of a two-day nationwide strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The strike is in protest against the government’s decision to remove fuel subsidies, which has led to a sharp increase in the price of petrol.
A visit to the Federal Secretariat which houses the offices of federal civil servants in Abuja on Tuesday morning showed that the area was deserted, with most workers staying at home. Banks in the area were also closed.
The NLC said in a statement that the strike was necessary to “cushion the effects of the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit popularly known as petrol on the ‘poor masses’”.
The union also accused the government of failing to dialogue with stakeholders on the issue.
The strike is expected to have a significant impact on businesses and public services in Nigeria.
The NLC has said that it will continue the strike until the government meets its demands.
The government has not yet responded to the strike.
