THE Nigerian government and labour leaders expect to reach an accord later on Monday on ending a five-day-old crippling general strike over sharp increases in gasoline prices. Local media quoted Information Minister Jerry Gana as saying labour chiefs had held intense talks with government leaders on Sunday, including one session each with President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. “I assure Nigerians that the problem will be resolved today,” a local radio station quoted Gana as saying. It gave no further details. The Nigerian Labour Congress launched the strike last Thursday to protest a 50% increase in gasoline prices. The action has led to the biggest disruption in the oil-producing country since military rule ended a year ago, but oil companies said exports were not affected.