The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has taken action against the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) in Plateau State, shutting down its headquarters in protest against the recent electricity tariff hike.
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At the JEDC headquarters, NLC members have barricaded the main gate, preventing staff from entering the building. Security forces, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been deployed to the area to maintain order.
This move follows the failure of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Distribution Companies (DisCos) to meet the demands of NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for a complete reversal of the tariff hike.
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NERC had raised the electricity tariff from N65/kWh to N225/kWh for Band A users, prompting widespread backlash from labour unions.
Despite a marginal reduction approved by the Federal Government, labour unions insist on a full reversal, setting a deadline for compliance by May 12.
In addition to opposing the tariff hike, NLC and TUC have called for an end to what they perceive as discriminatory practices in categorizing electricity consumers into arbitrary bands.
Providing an update, Benson Upah, the head of information at NLC headquarters, announced plans for a nationwide protest, with members set to converge at Labour House, Abuja, at 7 am.
Similar demonstrations are expected in other parts of the country.
