Nigeria unions cancel street protests, but strike continues

ABUJA: Nigeria braced for more strikes on Monday after last-minute talks failed to resolve a dispute over fuel prices, though the country's unions sought to call off street protests due to security concerns.

It was unclear how much of an effect the call by unions to end protests would have, with a number of civil society and political groups having also organised demonstrations over the past week.

President Goodluck Jonathan had late Sunday sought a deal with labour leaders aimed at ending a nationwide strike and mass protests that have shut down Africa's most populous nation and largest oil producer.

Unions did not call off the strike after the talks, but said they were canceling street protests after Jonathan expressed security concerns.

Nigeria Labour Congress chief Abdulwahed Omar said Jonathan spoke of "serious security reports" indicating those from outside organised labour may try to hijack protests.

"We came to a conclusion that we will stay at home, that is stay off the streets, in order to make sure that we don't in the first instance endanger innocent lives because of the security situation in the country," Omar told Channels television.

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