Electricity tariff hike: Labour demands reversal, says it’s killing Nigerians, economy
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked the federal government to reverse its recent decision to increase electricity rate on band A customers for the second time .
Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos), on Wednesday, approved an increase in tariffs for Band A consumers, with effect from July 1.
This is the second hike in electricity prices this year by DisCos, placing a further strain on businesses and industries that rely heavily on power.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero in a statement statement on Thursday, said the hike in tariff by DISCOs from N206.80 to N209.5 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 controversies 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.
“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 the 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 people against the government or vice versa.
“The three excuses given by DISCOs (exchange rate, interest rate and cost of gas) as justification for this increase underscore our argument that government and entities in the energy sector are not serious about finding an enduring solution to our 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.,” he said.
