The officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Monday, picketed the offices of the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KAEDCO) and the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in Sokoto State in response to the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
The action was by the directives from the union’s national headquarters and that of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The NLC and TUC are demanding that the Federal Government roll back the increased electricity tariffs.
At various locations including Kaduna Road, Birnin-Kebbi Road, Tudun-Wada, Unguwar-Rogo, and Round Mai-Ruwa areas, members of the unions locked the gates and sent staff and customers out of the offices.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Abdullahi Aliyu, NLC Chairman in the state emphasised the indefinite nature of the protest, stating that they would not relent until their demands were met by the government.
“We are resolute in our commitment to the directives from the national headquarters.
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“We will not retreat until the unjust burden on Nigerians is alleviated. The continuous imposition of policies that exacerbate economic hardships is unacceptable,” Aliyu stated.
Echoing similar sentiments, Mr Ibrahim Abubakar, the state TUC Chairman, highlighted the plight of ordinary citizens struggling to afford the increased electricity tariffs.
“We cannot overlook the fact that Nigerians are paying more for electricity services they scarcely enjoy.
“It’s imperative for the Federal government to reverse this decision and alleviate the suffering of the people,” Abubakar said.
During the protest, members of the unions displayed placards with messages such as: “We say no to Tyranny: Let the poor breathe” and “Cyber Security Tax is a Sham,” among others.
The Nigerian Labour Congress was founded in December 1978, as a merger of four different organisations: the Nigeria Trade Union Congress (NTUC), Labour Unity Front (LUF), United Labour Congress (ULC) and Nigeria Workers’ Council (NWC).
