Nigeria: Protests outside National Assembly December 17-20

Event

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) has called for a four-day strike to take place at the National Assembly building, begining on Monday, December 17, to denounce unpaid salaries and allowances. PASAN members have threatened to prevent anyone from entering the building during the demonstrations; protesters are reportedly barricading all entrances into the complex while cutting off access to essential services such as power and water supply, thus crippling activities in the complex. Operations at the National Assembly are likely to remain at standstill until at least December 20. Scuffles between protesters and security forces are possible during the protest. Localized transportation disruptions cannot be ruled out. Further such protests are likely to continue until protesters' grievances are addressed.

Context

Members of PASAN shut down operations at the National Assembly on December 4, preventing lawmakers from entering the building. Protesters are demanding the payment of arrears of 28 percent increase in their salaries since 2010.

Advice

Individuals in Nigeria, particularly Abuja, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, bypass the National Assembly building, and avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.