Labour pickets NERC, DisCos over tariff hike today

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has initiated a nationwide shutdown of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and all Distribution Companies (DISCOs) today.

The move comes as a direct action following the elapse of the ultimatum given to the commission to reverse the recent electricity tariff hike.

The NLC including the Trade Union Congress (TUC) stand united in denouncing the increased tariff, describing it as injustice, a flagrant abuse of power and a clear violation of the trust bestowed upon the commission by Nigerian people.

The organised labour demands an immediate reversal of the hike in electricity tariff to N65/kwh, cessation of the discriminatory practice of segregating electricity consumers into arbitrary bands and restoration of the supremacy of the statutes governing the conduct of operators within the electricity industry.

However, in a memo issued to all its affiliates, yesterday in Abuja, the labour centre called for a mass mobilisation to picket the offices of NERC and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

The memo, signed by the acting general secretary of the NLC, Chris Uyot urged each affiliate to mobilise at least 150 members for the action in Abuja, with state councils being directed to participate effectively at the local level.

The picketing, which is part of the directives from the Central Working Committee (CWC), is set to take place today, with the Labour House in Abuja serving as the convergence point.

The NLC’s leadership also expressed optimism about the success of the picketing while emphasising their commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and the general populace.

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