By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, May 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has called for reversal in the arbitrary increase in electricity tariff by the Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC).
The Chairman, Kogi NLC council, Gabriel Amari, made the call while picketing the office of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, (AEDC) on Monday in Lokoja.
Amari said the Federal Government’s policy in the electricity sector remained anti- people, and inflicting untold hardship and pains on the Nigerian masses.
According to him, the action of picketing NERC offices and its subsidiaries was a nationwide directive by the National Office of the Organised Labour in order for government to reverse the commission’s decision.
“The action will continue until the needful is done by the Federal Government to make life more meaningful and bearable for the people,” Amari said.
Also speaking, the state’s Vice Chairman of NLC, Eleojo Opaluwa, urged Kogi Government to set up its electricity company making use of the advantage of the ,2023 new electricity act.
This, he said would enable Kogi to generate power for its people in view of the abundant resources of coal in Okaba, Ankpa LGA and across the State.
Some Residents, in an interview with NAN, who applauded the organised Labour for coming to the aid of the masses to resist electricity hike.
Mr Niyi Ayinmode, a businessman, appealed to the federal government to review the hike downward and ensure regular electricity supply in the country especially in Kogi.
“We appreciate the organised labour for always coming out to resist government insensitive policies to the masses who are the receiving end,” Ayinmode said.
The placards were carried by members of the organised labour with inscriptions such as: “Privatisation of the electricity sector is a failure”.
Others read: “Increase in electricity tariff is a broad day robbery”, “We resist every form of exploitation “, “We say no to discrimination in electricity distribution”, among other.
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