Labour and rights activists in the nation’s capital, Abuja are joining their voice to the nationwide rally against the hike in electricity tariff. Other demands include compulsory distribution of prepaid meters, and a review of privatisation of the power sector, among others. The rally is from the Nigeria Labour Congress headquarters (Labour House), to the premises of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC.
They have on different colours, and are marching to the sound of music blaring from speakers mounted on trucks, solidarity chants are also part of the set up. There are a number of security operatives in tow, as well as those milling round the offices. With the leadership of NLC, TUC and Civil Society Groups at the forefront, they are visiting offices of the main stakeholders in the power sector, including the Electricity Distribution Companies and the Regulatory commission to register their displeasure on various issues.
One of such demand is a reversal of the 45 percent increase in electricity tariff, which according to them is an undemocratic process of impunity and corruption. At the designated points, the group is not keen on engaging the officials on ground, but prefers to speak to the hearing of everyone present, in their view the laws of the land must protect the common Nigerian worker.
