Labour slams FG over fresh electricity tariff hike

Members of the organised labour, on Thursday called out the federal government over fresh upward price adjustment of the electricity tariff by some Distribution Companies (DisCos). Specifically, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said the government was killing the people and the economy. Daily Trust had reported how some DisCos, […]

Members of the organised labour, on Thursday called out the federal government over fresh upward price adjustment of the electricity tariff by some Distribution Companies (DisCos).

Specifically, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said the government was killing the people and the economy.

Daily Trust had reported how some DisCos, especially Ibadan Electricity Distribution Companies (IBEDC) jacked up the tariff from N206.80 to N209.5 per Kw for customers on band ‘A’ with effect from July 1, 2024.

But reacting to the development Thursday night, the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, described the fresh high as “height of impunity” and arrogance that will put more companies out of business as well as create more difficulties for consumers.

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Ajaero reminded the government that the last nationwide action was paused because of the promise made by stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly to ensure total reversal of the hike.

“This increment has come on the heels of unresolved contestation around the insane 250% hike in tariff leading to national paralysis including the shutting down of 300 businesses according to MAN.

“The 250% hike drew the ire of the citizenry and rage of organised labour whose members went on a one-day protest for its unreasonableness and violation of extant rules of tariff hike.

“We had demanded a reversal. The only reason that action was paused was a firm assurance from relevant quarters, including the National Assembly that the matter would be dealt with quietly.

“That there is another hike instead of a reversal (as promised) is further proof of the insincerity of government just as it is equally a measure of government’s insensitivity,” the labour leader said.

He said the three excuses given by DisCos – exchange rate, interest rate and cost of gas as justification for the fresh increase underscored their argument that government and entities in the energy sector were not serious about finding an enduring solution to Nigeria’s energy crisis.

“For, clearly, they are treating the symptoms. Given the further damage this latest wave of increase will do to our economy, we demand an immediate reversal of the hike.

“It is unjustifiable, unreasonable and malevolent. Government and DISCOs should stop killing the people and the economy.”