On Monday, members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Ebonyi State picketed the offices of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to protest the recent increase in electricity tariffs.
The Labour leaders, led by NLC Chairperson Professor Ogugua Egwu and TUC Chairman Chidi Igboji, blocked the NERC office in Abakaliki early in the morning, chanting solidarity songs. As the NERC staff were apparently aware of the protest, the offices remained closed.
Undeterred, the Labour members proceeded to the EEDC office, where they also found the offices locked. They then moved to the second EEDC office, where they encountered staff members and ordered them to leave, stating that no work would be done until their demands were met. The EEDC staff complied, and the Labour leaders locked the offices.
The protesters carried placards with messages such as “The poor must breathe,” “Nigerians say no to increased electricity tariffs,” and “Reverse the new electricity tariff.”
In a statement to journalists, Egwu condemned the recent tariff hike as an act of wickedness against the poor masses. She emphasized that Nigerians are struggling with high fuel prices and stagnant wages, and cannot afford further increases in the cost of living.
Igboji echoed Egwu’s sentiments, stating that the Nigerian people are ready to confront any government official who attempts to worsen their suffering. He warned that the Labour movement will continue its protests until the tariff increase is reversed.