The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has denounced the recent electricity tariff hike by the Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs), warning that it will have devastating effects on the economy and further impoverish Nigerians.
The NLC demanded an immediate reversal of the hike, urging DISCOs to stop exacerbating the suffering of the people and the economy.
In a statement released on Thursday by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the labour union condemned the tariff increase from N206.80 to N209.5, which took effect on July 1, 2024.
Describing the new tariff as the height of impunity and arrogance, the NLC President stated that it would certainly put more companies out of business as well as create more difficulties for consumers.
In the statement titled “STOP KILLING THE PEOPLE AND THE ECONOMY,” Ajaero lamented that increment has come in the heels of unresolved contestations around the insane 250% hike in tariff leading to national paralysis including the shutting down of 300 businesses as per Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
He said, “The hike in tariff by DISCOs from N206.80 to N209.5 (with effect from July 1) for the so-called band ‘A’ customers represents the height of impunity and arrogance and will certainly put more companies out of business as well as create more difficulties for consumers.
“This increment has come in the heels of unresolved contestations around the insane 250% hike in tariff leading to national paralysis including the shutting down of 300 businesses as per 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.”
Regretting that government instead of honouring its commitment to resolve the initial hike in electricity tariff that made Organised Labour to stop nationwide strike it earlier embarked, the administration instead has hike the tariff again.
“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.
“We have no doubt that this frequent crass display of insincerity and insensitivity will pit the the people against government or vice versa,” NLC President warned President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
Ajaero stated that the three excuses given by DISCOs – exchange rate, interest rate and cost of gas – as justification for this increase underscore, their argument that government and entities in the energy sector are not serious about finding an enduring solution to country’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.”
