Monday, 9 January 2012Nigerians upset at a government decision to end the country's fuel subsidy are preparing to strike Monday, a week after the program's end brought sharp increases to the price of fuel and food.
The country's major labor unions are calling for the nationwide strike. Smaller protests took place in several areas last week.
Long lines snaked through Nigerian markets and fueling stations Sunday as residents stocked up on supplies ahead of the strike.
Gas prices in Nigeria have increased from around 40 cents a liter to 80 cents a liter since the removal of the subsidies on January 1. The cuts have also led to an increase in transportation costs in the country where most people live on less than $2 per day.
During an emergency session Sunday, lawmakers from the House of Representatives voted for a resolution calling on the government to restore the subsidies, which cost the country upwards of $8 billion.
The government has promised to use the money to invest in the country's infrastructure and social programs.
Nigeria is a large producer of crude oil, but it depends largely on imports for fuel because its refineries are in disrepair after years of mismanagement.
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Monday, 9 January 2012
VOA News
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