Nigeria fuel crisis talks as national strike looms over high prices following end of subsidy

Fuel crisis Nigeria — People queue with jerrycans to buy fuel at Mobil filling station in Lagos ahead of price hike Utomi Ekpeiu/AFP/Getty

The Nigerian government is due to hold talks on its ongoing fuel crisis as trade and labour unions are calling for a nationwide strike following the decision to scrap petrol subsidies in the country. Earlier in May, Nigeria announced petrol prices would rise by two-thirds, with a litre of petrol now costing 145 naira (50p), up from about 86.5 naira (30p), in a bid to curb the fuel crisis.

However, the move angered many, with trade and labour unions labelling the decision as "criminal" and calling for a strike, due to start on 18 May.

"In the event that government refuses to accede to these demands on or before 12 midnight on Tuesday, May 17th, 2016, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, and their civil society allies resolve to commence the following action with effect from Wednesday, May 18th, 2016: 1: Mobilise to the streets across the country ordinary and helpless Nigerians to whom they owe the duty of protection. 2: Shut down all banks, public and private offices, as well as markets [and] 3: Commence indefinite nationwide action," Ayuba Wabba, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, said in a statement.

The government also denied reports it intends to devalue the naira in exchange for funds from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Scrapping petrol subsidies can be a necessary condition to receive funds from IMF. However, the IMF have said that Nigeria did not request any funds.

"The rumour that the naira is going to be devalued is false," central bank spokesman, Isaac Okoroafor, was quoted by Reuters as saying. Meanwhile, IMF insisted Nigeria's crippled economy could benefit from a more flexible exchange rate.

"And so, there are no negotiations going on. However, as we have said before, the Fund continues to have a productive dialogue with the authorities and we stand ready to help should the country make a request," an IMF spokesperson said.

Nigeria's oil subsidy explained

Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producer, but its lack of refineries mean that the country has to export about 90% of its crude oil and import back petroleum products at international prices. The government then sells fuel to Nigerians at subsidised rates and reimburses the difference to importers.

Nigeria announced in May that petrol prices would rise to 145 naira, up from about 86.5 naira. The prolonged fuel scarcity in the country meant that Nigerians were already paying prices considerably higher – up to 250 naira – than the the price established after the subsidy was scrapped.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who took office in May 2015, has often been urged to end oil subsidy and privatise the country's oil refineries, so that the state would not spend money on yearly maintenance programmes. In July 2015, three out of the four refineries in Nigeria resumed production after undergoing a restructuring programme.

In 2012, the previous administration led by Goodluck Jonathan, attempted to end subsidies by doubling the price of a litre of petrol overnight, angering citizens who argued that low prices were the only benefits they enjoyed from the oil-rich nation. The government subsequently made U-turn on its decision following violent protests.

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