NLC Protest Over Increment in Tariff, lockout IBEDC Staff in Osun

By Olusegun Adeyemi

Members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun on Monday protested and locked out staff of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in Osogbo over the 45 per cent increment on the electricity tariff.

The Federal Government had announced 45 per cent increment on the electricity tariff which commenced on February 1, this year.

Members of the NLC and other residents of the state who joined the protest hanged different banners which expressed their displeasure against the development on the main entrance of the IBEDC, located at station road, Osogbo.

When contacted the Branding and Communication Manager, Mrs Kikelemo Owoeye for reaction, her telephone line could not be reached.

But a senior staff of the company who prayed anonymity described the protest as peaceful and devoid of any rancor.

He said: “The labour-NLC came as early as 8 :am; they ordered everyone of us to stop what we were doing and go outside.

“They were very organised and coordinated, they did not hurt anybody. They only warned us against going back to work after they must have left, and they promised to come back and check.”

Another staff of the company who prayed not to be named said that the protesters defiled the heavy presence of security operatives and continued with their mission without fear.

A member of the NLC Mr Solomon Adubi told journalists that the reason for locking out workers was to make the protest more effective and significant.

He said that the Nigerian dwindled economy made the jack up in the electricity tariff “more painful and unacceptable.

Solomon called on the FG to listen to the plights of Nigerians and do the needful.‎