Labour Pickets IBEDC Office in Osun Over Electricity Tariff Dispute

In a bold move to protest the recent hike in electricity tariff, members of the organized labour in Osun State took to the streets on Monday, blocking the main entrance of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Business Hub in Osogbo, the state capital. This protest action was a response to the directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to picket offices of power distribution companies across various state capitals.

The recent increase in electricity tariffs approved by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, prompting the labor unions to take a stand against what they perceive as an unjust burden on the people.

Abimbola Fasasi, the TUC state chairman, emphasized that the primary objective of the protest was to send a clear message to the Federal Government that the electricity tariff increment was unacceptable to the Nigerian populace. He highlighted the importance of the government focusing on improving electricity generation and supply rather than imposing additional financial strains on the citizens.

Mr. Fasasi expressed concerns over the inefficiency in electricity generation in the country, pointing out that despite significant investments in the power sector, the results have not been commensurate with the expenses incurred. He stressed the need for a reversal of the decision to increase electricity tariffs and urged the authorities to prioritize the welfare of the Nigerian people.

Christopher Arapasopo, the NLC state chairman, echoed similar sentiments, calling for the immediate reversal of the tariff hike imposed by the NERC. He lamented the lack of consistent power supply, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve better service considering the sacrifices they make to cover the high costs of electricity.

The labor unions have made it clear that if their demands are not met within the next two to three weeks, they will escalate their protest actions, potentially leading to a total shutdown of the Nigerian economy through a nationwide strike. The Central Working Committee (CWC) of the labor unions is prepared to take decisive steps to ensure that the interests of the Nigerian workers are protected and that necessary measures are implemented to address the concerns raised regarding the electricity tariff hike.

As the protests continue and pressure mounts on the government and power distribution companies, the outcome of these actions remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear – the voices of the Nigerian people are being heard loud and clear, demanding accountability, transparency, and fair treatment when it comes to vital services like electricity supply.