NLC Condemns New Electricity Tariff Hike, Calls for Immediate Reversal

 By Harriet Tornguvan 

The Nigeria Labour Congress   NLC, has condemned the  hike in  tariff by some electricity  distribution companies across the country.

The organized Labour also  lament  the suffering this hike in tariff may cause to the citizens says  "the hike in tariff by DISCOs from N206.80 to N209.5 (with effect from July 1) for the so-called band 'A' customers represents  the height of impunity and arrogance and will certainly put more companies out of business as well as create more difficulties for consumers.

In a statement issued by the president, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero said "the increment has come in  the heels of unresolved contestations  around the insane 250%  hike in tariff  leading to national  paralysis including the shutting down of 300 businesses as per MAN.

Comrade Ajaero said, the 250% hike drew the ire of the citizenry and rage of  organised labour whose members went on a one-day protest for its unreasonableness and violation of extant rules of tariff hike.

The NLC  demands a reversal."the only reason that action was paused was a firm assurance from relevant quarters including the National Assembly  that the matter would be dealt with quietly.

"Ajaero explains that,  there is another hike instead of a reversal as promised , says this  is further proof of the insincerity of government just as it is equally a measure of government's insensitivity.

"We have no doubt that this frequent crass display of insincerity and insensitivity will pit the people against government  or vice versa.

"The three excuses given by DISCOs (exchange rate, interest rate and cost of gas)  as justification for this increase underscore our argument that government and entities in the energy sector are not serious about finding an enduring  solution to our energy crisis. For, clearly, they are treating the symptoms.

"Given the further damage this latest wave of increase will do to our economy, we demand an immediate reversal of the hike.

"It is unjustifiable, unreasonable and malevolent. The government and DISCOs should stop killing the people and the economy. "The statement added.