Nigeria Strike May Force Jonathan to Compromise on Fuel Subsidy

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is coming under increasing pressure from a general strike and the legislature to back down on his decision to abolish fuel subsidies and to discuss phasing them out instead.

The House of Representatives has called on Jonathan to reverse the decision and the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, which called the strike that started yesterday, said they’re ready to discuss subsidies if he does. While the action hasn’t hurt exports from Africa’s top oil producer, trade in the naira currency was limited for a second day and most businesses and shops were closed.