Economic and social activities has been put on hold as two of Nigerian cities - the federal capital (FCT) and Benin city are currently on shutdown as the Labour Union and Civil society and Human Rights groups are in massive protest for the hike in electricity tarrifs.
Trade Union Congress which is a member of the Nigeria Labour Congress, and Civil Society Organisations, today in Benin city, the Edo state capital, staged a mass demonstration against electricity tariff increase in the state.
Business activities were also grounded to a halt today in Nigeria's federal capital, Abuja as Nigerian Labor unions embarked on a peaceful mass protest against the outrageous 45% increase in the electricity tariff which took effect early this month.
The protest which kicked off from the Labour House at the Central Business Area comprised of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and several civil society groups carrying placards with various inscriptions such as ; "Don't increase electricity Tariff," "Stop estimated billing," "NERC and DISCOS obey court order," "Give us prepaid meters," "We need light not darkness," "We cannot pay more for darkness. "
As at the time of filing this report, the protesters were heading toward Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Agency (NERC) and mobilise to the National Assembly where a formal letter would be handed over to the leadership.
The Nigerian Police and other security operatives were seen providing security for the protesters as they move from one location to another to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Photo credit: Alexandar Okere