The recent increase in the cost that Band A users must pay, which went from N206.80 per kilowatt-hour to N209.5/KWh, has angered the Nigeria Labour Congress.
The NLC charged the federal government with being insensitive and dishonest while calling for the immediate implementation of the new tariff. The NLC charged the federal government with being insensitive and dishonest while calling for the immediate implementation of the new tariff.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said in a statement released on Thursday that the increase in energy rates amounted to the height of conceit and impunity and that it would further impoverish customers and drive away more businesses.
They claim that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s approval of the increased fee was necessary because of their high operating costs, which were brought on by growing inflation and volatility in exchange rates.
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Ajaero questioned why another rate hike was implemented rather than a downward review, noting that during the most recent national strike, that all national brand news carried, the Federal Government had committed to address the increase in Band A tariff from 68/kWh.
According to Ajaero, “This increment has come on the heels of unresolved contestations around the insane 250 percent hike in tariff leading to national paralysis including the shutting down of 300 businesses as per the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
“The 250 percent 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 the tariff hike,” he added.
Continuing, “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,” he mentioned.
However, the president of the NLC denounced yet another raise rather than a reversal, claiming that this is more evidence of the government’s insensitivity and its continued insincerity.
According to him, “We do not doubt that this frequent crass display of insincerity and insensitivity will pit the people against the government or vice versa.”
“Underscore our argument that the government and entities in the energy sector are not serious about finding an enduring solution to our energy crisis,” Ajaero clarified that DisCo used the three justifications; exchange rate, interest rate, and cost of gas; to support this rise.
He emphasised, “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.”
