Nigeria’s largest worker unions have called for protests and an indefinite nationwide strike over the government’s response to rising living costs.

The government has offered a temporary wage increase during talks over the weekend – it is unclear if the unions will accept the offer.

If the strike could cripple key services like schools, health, transport and the banking sector.

The National Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress accused the government of failing to ease the financial burden for Nigerians, which has been worsened by the removal of fuel subsidies.

President Bola Tinubu moved to avert the strike, announcing a six-month increase to the minimum wage.

The $32 increase takes the monthly minimum salary to $70. Unions want it raised to $255.

Agencies