Electricity Fee Hike: NUC, TLC take protest to NERC, DisCos Offices

Oluwasegun SanusiMay 13, 20242 Mins read104

In an effort spearheaded by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), members of organized labour have

In an effort spearheaded by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), members of organised labour have commenced nationwide protests today, picketing the offices of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies (DisCos) across the country.

The protests are in response to the recent hike in electricity tariffs, which has sparked widespread discontent among Nigerians.

The directive for the protests came over the weekend from the leadership of both NLC and TUC, urging their members to take action against the tariff hike.

We write to inform you of the picketing action scheduled to take place in the offices of the NERC and Electricity Distribution companies (DISCOS) in all states, including the FCT, stated a joint statement by NLC’s Ag General Secretary Chris Uyot and TUC counterpart Anka Hassan.

The protests have seen significant turnout and disruptions at various locations nationwide.

In Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero led members in picketing the headquarters of NERC, demanding an immediate reversal of the tariff hike.

Similar scenes unfolded in Kaduna, Kwara, and Ondo states, where union members blocked the entrances of distribution company offices, preventing staff from accessing their workplaces.

The decision to hike electricity tariffs by 240% for Band A customers, announced by NERC in April, has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters, including the House of Representatives, civil society organisations, and electricity consumers.

Despite explanations from the Ministry of Power citing the need for tariff adjustments to prevent nationwide blackouts, organised labour remains steadfast in its demand to reverse the subsidy-era tariff.

In response to mounting pressure, NERC recently ordered a downward review of the tariff from NGN 225/kWh to NGN 206.8/kWh, representing an approximately 8.1% reduction.

However, labour unions remain unsatisfied, insisting on a total hike reversal.

Speaking on behalf of the NLC and TUC, National Treasurer Olatunji Ambali and National Deputy President Tommy Etim affirmed the unions’ readiness for the protests.

Labour is fully mobilised for the protests, they stated; they urged collective action to address what they perceive as “anti-people” government policies.

The protests have garnered support from civil society groups, with endorsements from organisations and emphasising the need for government policies to alleviate rather than exacerbate the suffering of Nigerians.

Amidst the hike in electricity fees, Nigerians also got slammed by the CBN’s proposed Cybersecurity fee on May 6, 2024, when a circular was directed to all banks and financial institutions in Nigeria to charge a cybersecurity levy starting from May 20, 2024, on electronic transactions by customers, barring a few exemptions.

A proposal that has been met with criticism from Nigerians and civil societies. This stiff opposition has led to the suspension directive by President Bola Tinubu.

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