Labour Expresses Dismay Over FG’s Silence On Electricity Tariff Hike
…Says, it has to go alongside minimum wage increase
The Organised Labour led by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has expressed utter disappointment over the Federal Government’s silence and lack of concrete action regarding the reversal of the astronomical increase in electricity tariff hike and the abolition of the apartheid classification of electricity consumers into Bands.
This was as the leadership of the NLC and TUC stressed their commitment to pursuing all necessary actions to protect the rights and welfare of all Nigerian people and workers.
The unions said it is imperative for the Federal Government to address the dicey issue of the astronomical increase in electricity tariff by over 300 per cent without consultation with stakeholders as required by law.
This was part of the resolution reached at the end of the emergency joint National Executive Council (NEC), of the NLC and TUC in Abuja on Monday, June 4, 2024, following which the two unions announced the suspension of the nationwide strike by one week.
A communiqué issued after the joint NEC of the NLC and TUC, the unions demanded for the reversal of the electricity tariff hike to its N66/kwh as against the discriminatory Bands of electricity supply.
The NLC/TUC joint communique stated that the unions deliberated on the demand for the stoppage of what it described as “apartheid classification of electricity consumers into Bands”.
It further stated; “The NEC-in-session is deeply disappointed by the government’s silence and lack of concrete action regarding the reversal of the electricity tariff hike and the abolition of the apartheid classification of electricity consumers into Bands”.
“The NEC reaffirms that these issues are critical to alleviating the financial burden on Nigerian workers and the general populace.
“The electricity tariff hike and discriminatory Band classification remain unacceptable and must be addressed alongside the wage increase.”
Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, announced at the end of the emergency NEC meeting that the strike has been relaxed for one week to allow for further negotiations of the National minimum wage.
The nationwide strike embarked on by the Organised Labour paralysed economic and government activities across the country for two days.
The unions commended Nigerian workers and members of the public for their unwavering support and solidarity in this critical struggle for improved living and working conditions.
