From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) yesterday picketed the headquarters of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and all offices of the 11 distribution companies (DisCos) nationwide.
The action followed the non-compliance of electricity operators and regulators with the unions’ demands to reduce electricity costs and introduce bands for consumers in the states.
The leadership and members of the two unions converged at the entrances of the main offices of NERC and TCN, sealing the gates and preventing staff and visitors from entering.
In a joint letter by the General Secretaries of TUC and NLC, Anka Hassan and Chris Uyot, respectively, the unions stated:
“We write to inform you of the picketing action scheduled to take place in the offices of NERC and the distribution companies (DisCos) in all states including FCT. The action will jointly take place on Monday May 13, 2024, nationwide simultaneously. Therefore, the two labour centres are directed to work together to carry out this important action. While counting on your usual co-operation, kindly accept our assurances of goodwill and highest regards.”
The picketing action was in response to the April 3, 2024 announcement by NERC increasing electricity tariffs for customers in Band A, who receive at least 20 hours of electricity supply per day. These customers represent approximately 15% of the 12 million electricity customers in the country and reside in high-income areas.
The increase was justified by NERC as necessary to ensure the financial viability of the power sector. However, NLC and TUC argued that the increase was insensitive to the economic hardship faced by Nigerians and that it would not guarantee improved electricity supply.
Industry experts also expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the tariff increase in improving power supply, citing the lack of monitoring mechanisms and the history of non-compliance with previous regulations.
The picketing action by NLC and TUC highlights the ongoing tensions between electricity consumers and the power sector in Nigeria. The unions have called for a reversal of the tariff increase and for measures to ensure affordable and reliable electricity for all Nigerians.