The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) will today picket the office of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies (DisCos)’s premises nationwide over the hike in electricity tariff.
“The action will jointly take place on Monday, 13th of May, 2024 nationwide simultaneously. Therefore, the two Labour centres are directed to work together to carry out this important action. While counting on your usual cooperation, kindly accept the assurances of our goodwill and highest regards.”
Their action followed a hike in the tariff for electricity consumers who enjoy at least 20 hours of daily power supply.
The recent tariff hike for electricity consumers has continued to draw comments from several quarters.
With inflation rising to new highs and Nigerians grappling with the removal of petroleum subsidy, the increase in tariff was met with stiff opposition.
Meanwhile, Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) had claimed that the Federal Government was raising funds for the “cash-trapped” DisCoS with the tariff hike.
But while defending the move, the Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu said the Federal Government would pay about N1.8 trillion in electricity subsidy in 2024.
He argued that the Electricity Act, 2023 made provisions for the review of tariffs twice yearly.
The move, also resulted in the decision of the House of Representatives asking NERC to suspend the implementation of the tariff hike.
