NLC pickets Eko, Ikeja DisCos over tariff hike
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) made good their threat as they picketed various electricity distribution companies in Lagos yesterday, as well as prevented workers from gaining access to their work place.
The picketing action took place on Monday by 6 a.m. at the following offices: EKO Electricity Distribution Plc 24/25 Marina, Lagos; NERC Ikeja Forum Office Block J. Plot 3 Otunba Jobi Fele Way, Agindigbi, Ikeja, and Ikeja Electric Plc 178 Obafemi Awolowo Way Alausa Ikeja, all in Lagos State, as well as all NERC and Discos offices nationwide.
GM, Corporate Communications and Strategy, Eko electricity Distribution Plc, Mr Babatunde Lasaki said Labour unions did not in any way disrupt the supply of electricity to consumers under its jurisdiction.
Lasaki said “they communicated via a letter to the company last week of their intention today. They came but only limited their activities to the corporate head office. Field workers were not in any prevented from carrying out their work.”
He affirmed that work went on albeit at slow pace as the unions lay siege to the entrance of the building housing the head office of the company on Marina Street on the Lagos Island.
NLC paralyses activities at IKDC, demands reversal of electricity tariff hike
Members blocked the entrance of the headquarters of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company in Lagos state.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission offices located in Alausa Ikeja were also picketed by the union members, leaving their workers stranded.
Lagos state Chairperson, of the Nigerian Labour Congress Funmilayo Sessi who led the union members, said the action was in compliance with the directive of the congress national secretariat.
Labour leaders say the picketing exercise is aimed at forcing the authorities to reverse the recent hike in the country’s electricity tariff.
NLC had directed its various State chapters to picket electricity distribution companies, DisCos.
The directive followed a meeting of the Central Working Committee, CWC, on April 30, 2024.
A statement signed by NLC Acting Secretary-General, Chris Uyot, said: “The nationwide picketing is slated for Monday, 13 May, 2024.”
