The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the Federal Government’s decision to increase the electricity tariff once again. This condemnation comes in response to the recent hike implemented by power distribution companies (DisCos), which raised the tariff for “Band A” customers from N206.80 to N209.5, effective from July 1.
Reacting to this development, NLC President Joe Ajaero issued a statement on Thursday in Abuja, expressing strong disapproval of the tariff increase. He described the action taken by the DisCos as the height of impunity and arrogance, highlighting the NLC’s dissatisfaction with the decision.
The NLC’s statement emphasized the negative impact of this tariff hike on consumers, particularly those categorized under Band A. According to Ajaero, such increases in electricity costs burden the citizens and reflect a disregard for their financial struggles. The Congress is concerned that the repeated hikes are unjust and insensitive to the economic conditions faced by many Nigerians.
The statement read: “This 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 percent hike in tariff leading to national paralysis including the shutting down of 300 businesses as per MAN.”
He noted that the 250 percent hike drew the ire of the citizens 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 demand 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 pitch the people against government or vice versa,” the statement added.
Ajaero noted that the three excuses given by DiScOs included exchange rate, interest rate and cost of gas as justification for the increase.
