NIGERIA STRIKE GOES AHEAD DESPITE PRESIDENTIAL TALKS

The possibility of a halt came after President Goodluck Jonathan met union leaders in emergency talks.

The unions want the monthly minimum wage more than doubled to $120 (£75) because prices have risen steeply.

Inflation has been running at double-digit rates in recent years, driven by increases in food and transportation costs.

The minimum wage has not risen for a decade.
Mr Jonathan cut short a visit to Nigeria's main commercial city Lagos to meet with representatives from the country's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The leader of the NLC at the talks said the two unions' national executives would meet on Wednesday afternoon to decide whether or not to continue with the strike.

“We have heard the message of Mr President,” NLC acting president Promise Adewusi told reporters after the talks with Mr Jonathan.

“We are going to go back to our organ [executive council]. The only thing we can say to you is that the strike is on until it is called off by the organ,” he said.

Ahead of the talks, Mr Jonathan's office issued a statement saying it was committed to “realistic wages” for all workers.