The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have picketed the headquarters of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Plc and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) state office in Benin, protesting the recent electricity tariff hike. The unions demand a reversal to the former price of N65 per kilowatt.

Led by NLC state chairman, Odion Olaye, and TUC state chairman, Aighowahi James, the protesters sealed off the offices, vowing to keep them locked until directed otherwise by the national headquarters. They argued that the tariff hike is a “death penalty” for ordinary workers and affects every facet of life.

National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) Zonal Organising Secretary, Nash Shuaibu, lamented the negative impact on their members, citing maltreatment and hostile working conditions due to the tariff increase. BEDC management has directed workers to work remotely for safety reasons, engaging with stakeholders to resolve the issue promptly.

The unions urge electricity consumers to join the struggle, seeking a reversal to the former price. The protest is part of a nationwide campaign against the electricity tariff hike.