Nigeria: Labor unions suspend nationwide strike following talks with government, Aug. 2 /update 2

Event

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) suspended a nationwide strike following talks with the government late Aug. 2, during which several commitments were agreed with the unions. Related protests were also held in various locations on Aug. 2, including in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. The unions may call for additional strikes and protests without warning despite the ongoing negotiations.

Context

The unions are denouncing recent policies implemented by the government, such as the removal of fuel subsidies. The measure, announced by President Bola Tinubu during his inauguration on May 29, initially caused a substantial fuel price hike that led to an overall increase impacting food and energy prices amid already high inflation. Localized related unrest has been reported, including in Adamawa State, where officials implemented a 24-hour curfew on July 30 following the looting of government-own grain warehouses and other shops in the Yola state capital.