Labour Issues 7-day Ultimatum Over Electricity Tariff Hike

The organised labour under the aegis of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have written a protest letter to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) headquarters.

The union, through the letter, jointly signed by NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero and the TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, copied the secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Federal Minister of Labour & Employment! Federal Minister of Power and the All Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs), gave 12 May 2024 ultimatum within which NERC should reverse the hike or face mass action.

The duo cited the hard condition which NERC action is going to push the masses into as reason for the call for reversal.

The letter said: “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.”

Likewise, the two leaders noted that “As the Regulator of the Electricity sector, it is imperative that your Commission grasps the weight of its responsibilities.

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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.”

Moreover, they stated that, the announced tariff hike not only defies the established procedure mandated by law but also tramples upon the rights of Nigerian citizens, even as it is a flagrant abuse of power and a clear violation of the trust bestowed upon the ci,lol

To this end, the two unions gave until Sunday, the 12th day of May, 2024, to comply. Saying, Failure to do so will result in swift and decisive action on our part as we will not hesitate to mobilise our members and occupy all NERC’s offices and those of the DISCOs nationwide until justice is served.