The Nigeria Labor Congress and the Trade Union Congress have mobilised workers to protest against the increased electricity tariff in the country.

The NLC had on different occasions called on the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission to jettison the recent increase in electricity tariff while warning that if the Commission failed to heed, it would embark on a nationwide strike.

Ayuba Wabba, the NLC President said that the current hike would make it the fifth time since 2012 and was therefore not acceptable while, describing the new tariff as outrageous.

Wabba, in the statement where he called for the protest, had said that: “It is a nationwide protest, meaning that the 36 states of the Federation including Abuja will be involved in this action.

“Our members have been sufficiently mobilized and are ready to go. If you are an electricity consumer and you are not happy with the bills electricity companies serve you every month, you are invited to join this protest rally.”

On Monday, February 8, members of the NLC heeded the call for the protest and trooped out to the streets in different states of the country.

Members of Civil Society groups and activists have also joined forces with the NLC for the protest.

In Abakiliki, the activities of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Abakaliki have been brought to a halt by protesters.

Storming the office as early as 8am, the protesters took to singing songs like “solidarity forever” and “we have decided to fight for the masses.”

Championed by the state chairman of the Nigerian Labor Congress, Ikechukwu Nwafor, and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Elias Oduma, the protesters forced the staff of the EEDC to close the offices and halt the collection of electricity bills.

Also, in Abuja, protesters who came out as early as 7am are seen carrying placards condemning the new tariffs.

The protest in Abuja started at the Labor House in the Central Business District Abuja and is expected to get to the NERC office and then the National Assembly.

A similar protest is also ongoing in Benin, Edo state.