Nigerian unions call off strike

Protesters threatened to target Nigeria's oil production

Nigeria's main labour union has called off a nationwide strike over fuel price rises, after the government cut energy costs by 10%.

"In light of the fuel reduction we decided to suspend the strike," John Odah of the Nigeria Labour Congress told BBC News.

But he said more negotiations were needed as "incessant increases in fuel prices are a recurring problem."

Petrol, diesel and kerosene prices went up by 23% in September.

'Sense of relief'

The rises followed the government's decision to stop subsidies.

Deputy Senate president Ibrahim Mantu said "the mother of all strikes has been averted."

Last week, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo intervened to try to avert strike action by ordering the state oil firm to cut the price of kerosene.

Unions had said the concession was insufficient and pledged to go ahead with the strike.

They suggested an intention to disrupt the country's oil industry, which exports more than two million barrels a day. Oil exports were not affected by earlier strikes.

A four-day nationwide strike in October shut down banks, businesses, shops and public services.