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
-
rCOMSDEP engages Northern Regional Minister on small-scale miners registration drive
2 minutes -
Ghana Armwrestling Federation secures Next Level Energy Drink partnership for 15th African Championship
8 minutes -
Driver remanded for allegedly defiling girl, 12
16 minutes -
BoG 2025 Financial Statements: The figures will soon judge the voyage
18 minutes -
Gender Minister engages Queen Mothers to deepen push for gender parity, inclusive development
20 minutes -
Gender Minister engages amputees, pledges stronger push for disability inclusion
24 minutes -
Winneba Prisons supports Aboakyer Festival with donation to Effutu Traditional Council
37 minutes -
Media Convergence Conference opens in Accra with call to rethink traditional journalism in digital era
42 minutes -
ECG assures power outages are temporary as grid stabilisation works continue
42 minutes -
Ghana develops national child labour indicators
45 minutes -
NIA targets 3.1 million children as Ghana Card registration for ages 6–14 resumes May 5
45 minutes -
From Tema to Chirano, via Oman: A quiet architect of Ghana’s power generation retires
46 minutes -
SHEA 2026: Value addition key to shea industry growth – Prof Opoku-Agyemang
52 minutes -
Assin North Blue Water Guard team appeals for logistics to combat galamsey
56 minutes -
Trump warns Iran ‘better get smart soon’, weighs military options over Strait of Hormuz
59 minutes