Organised labour members have launched picketing actions at the offices of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies (DISCOS) nationwide in protest against the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
Following a joint directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), workers began picketing activities at these locations over the weekend.
In a joint statement by NLC’s Acting General Secretary, Chris Uyot, and TUC’s counterpart, Anka Hassan, the unions announced the scheduled picketing action, stating, “The action will jointly take place on Monday, May 13, 2024, nationwide simultaneously.”
In Kaduna State, labour union members blocked the main gate of the distribution company’s office as early as 7 a.m., preventing staff from entering the premises.
Similar scenes unfolded in Kwara State, where union members locked the entrance of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company in the state capital, Ilorin, under the leadership of the state chairman of the NLC.
The protesting union members are demanding a reversal of the tariff hike, signalling their firm stance against what they perceive as unjust increases in electricity costs.
The picketing actions reflect the determination of organised labour to assert their concerns and advocate for the interests of consumers amidst ongoing debates surrounding electricity tariffs and affordability.
On Monday, members of the NLC and TUC blocked the entrance of the headquarters of Jos Electricity Distribution Company in Jos, the state capital.
The NERC located at the Gold and Base axes in Jos was also picketed by the union members, leaving their workers stranded.
The State Chairman of the NLC, Eugene Mangji, who led the union members in Jos, said that the action was in compliance with the directive of their national secretariat aimed at forcing the authorities to reverse the recent hike in the country’s electricity tariff.
“We have shot down the NERC office at Gold and Base. Right now, we are the JED headquarters at Ahmadu Bello Way. We will continue until the right thing is done,” the NLC chairman stated.
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