Labour union protests against electricity tariff hike in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Members of the organised labour in Osun State on Monday joined the nationwide protest against electricity tariff hike, blocking the entrance of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) business hub, in Osogbo.

The protesters comprising of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC ) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) converged at the entrance of the IBEDC carrying placards with several inscriptions which reads: “NCRC &All Discos must respect workers’ right”, “Nigeria Say no to increase in Electricity Tariff”, “Reverse Draconian Decision” among others.

The union leaders locked the entrance gates of IBEDC Business Hub and other sub-offices in Osogbo, with an instruction to security personnel not to allow anyone to gain access into the offices.

Speaking during the protest, the TUC chairman, Abimbola Fasasi, said that the protest was aimed at sending a message to the Federal Government that the electricity tariff hike is unacceptable.

Fasasi called on the Federal Government reverse its decision on electricity tariff increment on time.

  “The government has to develop and improve on electricity generation and supply. The FG must reverse its decision on electricity tariff increment. We don’t want it at this time.”

Also speaking, Christopher Arapasopo, NLC State Chairman, maintained that the position of labour is that the recent increase in the electricity tariff by the NERC should be reversed.

“We hope that the FG and DisCos will do the needful and reverse the tariff, but if they failed, the CWC will give directive on further steps to take.” he said.

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