Fuel strike leads to panic

2004-06-07 20:02

Lagos - Thousands of Nigerians jammed the streets of the commercial capital Lagos on Monday in a spate of panic-buying, as residents stockpiled food and fuel ahead of a planned general strike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which ordered the strike in protest at rising fuel prices, has advised Nigerians to stockpile supplies ahead of Wednesday, when it plans to launch a nationwide three-week-long stoppage.

Taiwo Ogidan, a 43-year-old businessman, said he had spent more than 20 minutes in a queue at a petrol station, to fill his car.

"As a businessman, I do a lot of runs and I need petrol in my car at all times. I don't want to be taken aback by the strike," he said.

Lagos lawyer Tope Ayinla said he supported the action.

"This rush is because of panic-buying. But I think it is a sacrifice we have to make now if the struggle by the NLC to emancipate the people from the oppressive policies of this government is to be won," he said.

Roads leading to the popular Oke-Arin and Sandgrouse markets in central Lagos were jammed with cars and other vehicles.

Stallholder Mulikat Ayoka Sanni said: "Business is good. It's been like this since the increase. It is just that people are complaining about the prices which are high. But it is not our fault."

Schoolteacher Dorcass Okonkwo said she abandoned her students to come to the market.

"I want to buy all the things I need now because if the strike eventually goes ahead, it might be difficult to get things to buy. But I have to say that what the government is doing about fuel prices is not right. This government has increased the price more than four times since it came to power," she said.

"You can see that the price of everything has gone up since the hike. I don't understand the legacy Obasanjo wants to leave in this country. Does he want to be remembered as good leader or not?" she asked.

- AFP