The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have jointly issued an ultimatum to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), demanding the withdrawal of the recent electricity tariff hike by May 12 or face severe industrial action.
This ultimatum comes in response to NERC’s recent announcement of a reduction in the electricity tariff for Band A customers from ₦225/kWh to ₦206.80/kWh, which has been met with widespread rejection across the country.
In a joint letter dated May 3, 2024, addressed to the Chairman/CEO of NERC and copied to various government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Ministers of Labour and Power, as well as the electricity distribution companies (DisCos), NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo expressed grave concerns regarding the recent tariff hike.
The letter emphasized the dissatisfaction among Nigerians, particularly in light of current economic challenges, labeling the tariff hike as morally reprehensible and a blatant disregard for statutory obligations. It accused NERC of abandoning its duty to protect the people and colluding with electricity industry stakeholders to promote oppressive market practices.
The unions demanded an immediate reversal of the tariff hike to ₦65/kWh, cessation of discriminatory practices in segregating electricity consumers into arbitrary bands, and restoration of the supremacy of statutes governing the electricity industry. They set a deadline of May 12, 2024, for NERC to comply, warning of swift and decisive action, including mobilizing members to occupy NERC and DisCos’ offices nationwide if their demands are not met.
