The Adamawa chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) took action on Monday by shutting down the regional offices of the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) and the office of the Electricity Regulatory Commission of Nigeria (ERCN).
Mr. Emmanuel Fashe, the State NLC Chairman, addressed union members at the premises of the picketed offices in Yola, stating that the action was in protest against exorbitant electricity tariffs.
He highlighted that the tariff on Ban A had reached 300 percent, emphasizing that these indiscriminate charges were beyond the ability and capability of Nigerians.
Fashe clarified that the picketing of these offices was in line with a directive from the NLC headquarters and was part of a nationwide action.
He criticized the categorization of power supply into different bans, arguing that it created division among Nigerians and aimed to eliminate the middle class. Fashe also denounced the tariff hike from N65 to N223, stating that it far exceeded reasonable charges.
He cautioned the federal government against unpopular policies that could inflict hardship on citizens, stressing that the rising cost of living in Nigeria was attributed to the removal of fuel subsidy, insecurity, and other unpopular government policies.
Mr. Dauda Adamu, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, called on the government to sustain the subsidy on the cost of social services for the affordability of Nigerians.
He advocated for a reversal to the initial cost of power supply, emphasizing that Nigerians should not be made to pay for what they did not consume.
Adamu announced plans to mobilize all Nigerians for the next protest, expressing discontent with the current situation.
Both offices were reported to be under lock and key, with staff on duty asked to leave unconditionally.
