Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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June 21, 2007

Nigerian General Strike Enters Second Day
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=17E57FB:A6F02AD83191E160CAC1807BB4B7CBE09574F7DCC14957C0 Most schools,
banks, government offices and non-essential services are shut down;
many international and domestic flights canceled due to shortage of
jet fuel





People protest in the street against government price rises in Lagos, 
20 Jun 2007

Much of the West African nation of Nigeria is at a standstill
Thursday, as a nationwide strike enters its second day.

Most schools, government offices and non-essential services are shut
down, and many international and domestic flights have been canceled
because of a shortage of jet fuel.

Oil company officials report their industry has been largely
unaffected by the strike and that terminals are operating normally.
However, union leaders warn that if the strike continues, it could
stop Nigeria's oil exports.

Labor unions launched the strike on Wednesday. They are demanding a
repeal of a recent 15 percent increase in gasoline costs imposed by
former President Olusegun Obasanjo shortly before he left office last
month.

His successor, Umaru Yar'Adua, has offered to cut the fuel price
increase by half.

The head of the main Nigerian Labor Congress, Abdulwahed Omar, called
the first day of the strike "very successful."

Nigeria is one of the world's biggest producers of crude oil, but it
is almost completely dependent on imports of refined fuel. The central
government has subsidized fuel for many years - a move that
impoverished Nigerians have come to depend on as one of the few
benefits they receive from Abuja.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.


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