From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed all its affiliates and state councils to mobilise members for picketing Nigerian Electricity Regulations Commission (NERC) offices and electricity distribution companies (DisCos) on Monday.
This action is in response to NERC’s recent approval of a 240 percent electricity tariff increase for Band A consumers.
The directive was issued in a memo signed by the NLC acting Ag. General Secretary, Chris Uyot, over the weekend.
The document read: “In furtherance of CWC directive, we urge each affiliate to mobilise at least 150 members for the picketing of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and AEDC office in Abuja.
“Further, affiliates are expected to direct state councils to mobilise members for effective participation at the state level.
The nationwide picketing is slated for Monday, 13th May 2024 and the convergence point is Labour House, Abuja. The time is 7:00 am prompt.”
In a recent letter dated May 3, whick was seen by DailySun, the Organised Labour asked NERC to immediately revert the tariff increase to N65/kwh and stop the practice of dividing electricity consumers into arbitrary bands.
They also called for the reinstatement of the authority of the statutes regulating operators in the electricity industry. Signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, the letter was also sent to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Federal Minister of Labour and Employment, the Federal Minister of Power, and Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs).
The letter read: “This is to refer you to our May Day address where we expressed grave concerns regarding the recent announcement of an astronomical hike in electricity tariff across the nation from N65/kwh to N225/Kwh by your Commission.
“We believe that this decision is not just morally reprehensible considering the difficulties Nigerians are faced with currently, but it blatantly disregards fundamental principles and statutory obligations. It is a slap in the face of justice and fairness, and we will not stand idly by as the masses and workers are subjected to such
unacceptable exploitation.
“As the Regulator of the Electricity sector, it is imperative that your Commission grasps the weight of its responsibilities. NERC’s role entails the regulation of electricity tariffs in the country, a duty outlined in explicit detail within the statutes governing the Commission. Yet, with this recent tariff hike which you have acquiesced, it is evident that the Commission has forsaken its duty and abandoned the people it was meant to protect to the fat cats in the electricity industry.
“We are miffed that NERC has become
a tacit collaborator in crafting the oppressive pricing regime being perpetuated against Nigerian workers and people. The Laws that set up the Commission mandates it to act as an unbiased ombudsman in the electricity industry. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case as it has acted in cahoots with the Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and the Generating Companies (GENCOs) to promote their nefarious market practices.
“The announced tariff hike not only defies the established procedure mandated by law but also tramples upon the rights of Nigerian citizens. It is a flagrant abuse of power and a clear violation of the trust bestowed upon your Commission by Nigerian people. Such actions will not be tolerated, and we refuse to accept them as the new norm.
“Nigerian workers and masses led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), stand united in denouncing this injustice. It is our duty to defend the rights of our fellow citizens against exploitation. Therefore, we issue the following demands:
“We give you until Sunday, the 12th day of May, 2024, to comply. Failure to do so will result in swift and decisive action on our part as we will not hesitate to mobilize our members and occupy all NERC’s offices and those of the DISCOs nationwide until justice is served.”