Audio By Carbonatix
Hundreds of Nigerians are marching in the commercial capital, Lagos, to protest at the removal of a fuel subsidy, which has led petrol prices to double.
They left from the headquarters of main trade unions, which are to meet on Wednesday to decide on strike plans.
About two dozen people have been arrested in the main northern city of Kano as they gathered to protest.
Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producer, but imports refined petrol.
Years of mismanagement and corruption mean it does not have the capacity to refine oil, turning it into petrol and other fuels.
Analysts say many Nigerians regard cheap fuel as the only benefit they get from the nation's oil wealth.
Several previous governments have tried to remove the subsidy but have backed down in the face of widespread public protests and reduced it instead.
The IMF has long urged Nigeria's government to remove the subsidy, which costs a reported $8bn (£5.2bn) a year.
Police block protests
Tuesday is the first working day since the measures were announced on 1 January.
The BBC's Tomi Oladipo in Lagos says that as the marchers pass petrol stations, they shout insults and try to persuade them to close.
They have also disrupted traffic on a major highway and started fires.
He says that it is not yet clear where the marchers are heading.
The city is not as busy as it normally is, with many people stranded as they cannot afford the new transport fares after going away for the holidays, our reporter says.
Police in the capital, Abuja have blockaded Eagle Square, where protesters had planned to gather for a protest.
Tuesday is the first working day since the measures were announced on 1 January.
The BBC's Tomi Oladipo in Lagos says that as the marchers pass petrol stations, they shout insults and try to persuade them to close.
They have also disrupted traffic on a major highway and started fires.
He says that it is not yet clear where the marchers are heading.
The city is not as busy as it normally is, with many people stranded as they cannot afford the new transport fares after going away for the holidays, our reporter says.
Police in the capital, Abuja have blockaded Eagle Square, where protesters had planned to gather for a protest.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Leila Djansi questions NFA’s appeal for Film Fund donations
6 hours -
The ‘Our Day’ Dilemma: A cherished Ghanaian tradition that has become a high-pressure cooker
6 hours -
UHAS celebrates 2026 International Day
6 hours -
Maison Yusif launches ‘The Beast’ fragrance, eyes global expansion from Ghana
8 hours -
NSMQ 2026 : St. Louis SHS returns to nationals after thrilling comeback in Ashanti region qualifiers
9 hours -
“Data is the new gold” – Prof. Kwofie leads charge for AI-driven, equitable Africa
9 hours -
Lights for Life Movement urges fixing of faulty traffic lights to save lives
9 hours -
Doctor uses cash reward of GH¢20,000 to equip Paga Hospital
9 hours -
Free but expensive education in Ghana – Free SHS in retrospect
9 hours -
Justice must heal a nation, not become a qeapon of revenge
9 hours -
Six students injured as fire destroys House Master’s apartment at Leklebi SHS
9 hours -
Mid-Year Budget Review: What happened to the GH¢40m promise to Ghana’s creative industry?
9 hours -
Tafo Government Hospital children’s ward 85% complete ahead of my 45th birthday – Nana B
10 hours -
Kessben FM yanks DJ K.A. ‘off air’ over intimate video circulated online; Investigation underway
11 hours -
Ghana, Nigeria commit to stronger trade cooperation under AfCFTA
11 hours