Electricity tariff hike: Labour threatens to shut NERC, Discos offices

Members of the organised labour, on Thursday night warned the management of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to announce immediate reversal of current electricity tariff hike or face total shutdown of all its offices. The movement also warned the commission to announce immediately the stoppage of what it described as “discriminatory practice” of segregating electricity […]

Members of the organised labour, on Thursday night warned the management of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to announce immediate reversal of current electricity tariff hike or face total shutdown of all its offices.

The movement also warned the commission to announce immediately the stoppage of what it described as “discriminatory practice” of segregating electricity consumers into arbitrary bands.

The congress said failure to heed the warnings would warrant its members shutting down offices of NERC and Distribution Companies nationwide, adding that those offices would remain under lock and keys until their demands are met.

These were contained in a letter sent to the Chairman of NERC, copies which were sent to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha; the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu and all DisCos.

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The letter, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent, was signed by the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero and his counterpart from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo.

The union leaders described the hike as a slap in the face of justice and fairness, insisting that  the organised labour would not stand idly when the masses and workers are subjected to such unacceptable exploitation.

The letter read, “This is to refer you to our May Day address where we expressed grave concerns regarding the recent announcement of an astronomical hike in electricity tariff across the nation from N65/kwh to N225/Kwh by your Commission.

“We believe that this decision is not just morally reprehensible considering the difficulties Nigerians are faced with currently, but it blatantly disregards fundamental principles and statutory obligations.

“It is a slap in the face of justice and fairness, and we will not stand idly by as the masses and workers are subjected to such unacceptable exploitation….

“It is our duty to defend the rights of our fellow citizens against exploitation. Therefore, we issue the following demands: An immediate reversal of the hike in electricity tariff to N65/kwh. 

“Immediate cessation of the discriminatory practice of segregating electricity consumers into arbitrary bands.

“Restoration of the supremacy of the statutes governing the conduct of operators within the electricity industry. We give you until Sunday, the 12th day of May, 2024, to comply.

“Failure to do it will result in swift and decisive action on our part as we will not hesitate to mobilize our members and occupy all NERC’s offices and those of the DISCOs nationwide until justice is served. Kindly accept the assurance of our high regards!”