On Monday, members of the organized labour picketed the offices of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies (DisCos) nationwide, protesting the recent hike in electricity tariff.
The action followed a joint directive from the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to their members.
“We write to inform you of the picketing action scheduled to take place in the offices of the NERC and Electricity Distribution companies (DISCOS) in all states, including the FCT,” the unions said in a joint statement. “The action will jointly take place on Monday, 13th of May, 2024 nationwide simultaneously.”
Leading members of the labour unions, including NLC President Joe Ajaero, participated in the protest at the NERC headquarters in Abuja, demanding an immediate reversal of the tariff hike. In Kaduna State, union members blocked the main gate of the distribution company, preventing staff from entering the premises. Similar protests took place in Kwara, Ondo, Edo, and Zamfara States.
The chairman of the NLC in Kwara State, Saheed Olayinka, said the tariff hike has had negative effects on the populace and demanded a reversal. “The picketing will continue until the demands of the reversal are met,” he added.
Union members carried placards and sang solidarity songs, while workers of the DisCos awaited further directives. The unions also complained about the dangers the hike has exposed them to, including harassment by customers over bills.
In response, the Chairman of the TUC in Zamfara State, Comrade Saidu Mudi has urged the Federal Government to urgently reverse the tariff to the old price.
