Striking workers have grounded movement in several parts of Lagos as the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), working in partnership with their Civil Society allies, actualised their threat to go on strike today following a deadlock in talks with the Federal Government over the hike in fuel price.

The talks broke down last night, with government declaring the proposed strike illegal on account of the ruling of the National Industrial Court, which ordered both parties to maintain the status quo. It is not yet clear if the court over was served on labour and its allies.

Reports from across Lagos metropolis indicate that movement is virtually impossible following the blocking of roads by labour activists.

Pelu Awofeso, a journalist and tourism promoter, told News Express that he had to turn back and return home when he met the roads blocked in Ikeja. “They have blocked everywhere, including Awolowo Road and the road to the junction linking the airports,” Mr. Awofeso told News Express minutes ago. “I pity travelers who were not able to leave home early enough,” he said.

Relating her own experience, advertising practitioner and children’s writer Maero Ozako, said she had to turn back when she found Ikorodu Road blocked and chaotic. Ms. Ozako wrote on Facebook: “Riots and fire on Ikorodu road. The army now on ground. Avoid. Avoid Ikorodu road. Just turned back.”

News Express reports that the foundation for the strike was laid last week when the Muhammadu Buhari administration suddenly increased fuel price from about N86.50 per litre to N145 per litre, citing economic realities.

There had been uncertainty as to whether the strike would hold, especially after an NLC faction and some other affiliate trade unions distanced themselves from the action.

•Photo by Adedeji Olalekan shows the road leading to both local and international airports in Lagos blocked as a result of the NLC strike.

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