Labour unions embark on nationwide protests

ayodele johnson

February 9, 2016 9:15 AM

The current protest will serve as a strong statement of intent by the labour unions concerning their interest to protect Nigerians from exploitation by service providers

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The recent increase in electricity tariff has led to an uprising in the labour union.

The union is not pleased with the constant increase in electricity charges, especially because it has not meaningfully improved the effectiveness of power supply.

Although the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola assured that the tariff increase is a welcome development, this has not relaxed the mind of Nigerians, particularly the labour unions which include the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.

The unions have led a simultaneous protest all over the country in their bid to ensure a reversal of the new electricity bill.

READ: Organisation claims power generation has hit 5,074.7MW

The protesters stormed the various offices of the power firms nationwide as early as 8am, chasing out some officials of the companies who had resumed for work, holding placards with the inscriptions, ‘No to increase in electricity tariff’ and ‘No meter, no payment’.

The TUC President, Mr. Bala Kaigama, said the labour movement would continue with the protest against the tariff hike until its reversal.

Also, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress accused the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola of conspiring with electricity companies to create the new price.

He said, “We will not allow a situation where a few will collaborate, including our Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatubde Fashola; we are really disappointed because he did not even respond to all the letters we wrote to him.

“This protest is to tell the Discos and Gencos that we will not allow a situation where they will continue to fleece Nigerians.”

The current protest will serve as a strong statement of intent by the labour unions concerning their interest to protect Nigerians from exploitation by service providers.

ayodele johnson