US embassy cable - 04LAGOS2073

S E C R E T LAGOS 002073 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, AF/EX, DS/IP/OPO, DS/ICI/PII, DS/DSS/ITA 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/11/2014 
TAGS: ASEC, CASC, NI, PTER 
SUBJECT: LAGOS EAC MEETING ON LABOR STRIKE - 10/11/2004 
 
REF: A. (A) LAGOS 2042 
     B. (B) LAGOS 2066 
 
Classified By: RSO Kevin Maloy. Reason 1.5 (B) and (D). 
 
1.  (S/NF)  To review Post planning and recent developments, 
Lagos core EAC convened the first day of the national strike. 
 The strike has been called by the National Labor Congress 
and other organizations to protest a fuel price increase 
recently instituted by the federal government.  In attendance 
were the CG, RSO, RMAS, MGT, CON, DEA, POL/ECON, ISC, DAO, 
and FBI. 
 
2.  (SBU)  RSO advised OSAC and oil company contacts reported 
relative calm in the vicinity of Victoria and Ikoyi Islands. 
There are reports of violence by area boys (street gangs) in 
several areas on mainland Lagos, specifically in the 
Maryland, Oshodi, Mushin, and Ketu neighborhoods.  Also, 
reports indicate area boys along the Badagry road toward the 
Benin border have been see attacking private and commercial 
vehicles traveling in the area. 
 
3.  (SBU)  The international airport is operating however the 
domestic airport anticipates difficulties in maintaining fuel 
supplies should the strike continue.  Apparently, there has 
been a reduction in domestic flights due to the concern over 
the fuel supply.  Also, local fuel stations and schools 
remain closed. 
 
4.  (SBU)  The EAC concurred there remains uncertainty 
whether the strike will remain relatively passive (i.e. 
stay-at-home) or will involve protests or demonstrations and 
increased violence. 
 
5.  (SBU)  The EAC reviewed essential staffing for 
10/12/2004.  The Consular Section plans to open on Tuesday 
and Consulate staff will report for duty unless annual leave 
is taken with concurrence of their supervisors. 
 
6. (SBU)  The EAC reviewed pending incoming and outbound 
travel plans for Lagos including TDY visits.  Sections with 
travel plans during the initial dates for the strike will 
continue to postpone travel arrangements. 
 
7.  (SBU)  The EAC agreed to meet again on 10/12/2004 to 
assess the first day of the strike and review preparations, 
travel restrictions, staffing requirements and staff 
notifications. 
 
8.  (SBU)  The RSO, in concurrence with the EAC and the 
School Board of Directors, recommended to the Superintendent 
of the American School of Lagos that classes should be 
suspended for October 12.  The school will reassess the 
situation daily during the strike to determine when classes 
will resume. 
 
9.  (SBU)  Actions to be taken. 
 
A.  The core EAC will convene on 10/12/2004, and every day 
during the strike, to assess Post planning. 
 
B.  RSO will remain in contact with the American School, 
Lagos based oil and OSAC companies, and diplomatic security 
contacts regarding their strike plans. 
 
C.  Section heads will coordinate with their employees 
regarding staffing requirements for Tuesday. 
 
D.  POL/ECON and others will continue to seek information 
regarding the nature of the strike (whether it will be a 
passive stay-at-home or a demonstration) and the possible 
duration of the strike. 
 
10.  (U)  The point of contact in this matter is RSO Kevin 
Maloy at (office) 234-1-261-1303. 
BROWNE