The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) commenced nationwide protests on Monday, May 13, 2024, against the government‘s recent electricity tariff hike and subsidy removal.
NLC’s National Treasurer, Olatunji Ambali, and TUC’s National Deputy President, Tommy Etim, confirmed the protests while stressing their demand for a reversal to the subsidy era tariff.
The protests aim to shut down key offices such as the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Ministry of Power, and state power distribution company offices.
The tariff hike, announced by NERC on April 3, affects Band A customers who will now pay N225 per kilowatt-hour, a 240% increase.
This change marked the removal of subsidy for about 15% of the total 12.82 million power consumers in Nigeria.
Despite the government’s claim that the hike will save N1.5 trillion and provide extended power supply to Band A customers, the move has been criticised by various sectors, including the House of Representatives and civil society groups.
The NLC and TUC, in their joint statement, demanded an immediate reversal of the tariff hike and a commitment to affordable and reliable electricity supply for Nigerians.
The Organised Labour issued a warning about conducting picketing actions at NERC and DisCos offices nationwide to push for their demands.
The picketing action was scheduled for May 13, 2024, at specific offices in Lagos and nationwide, starting at 6 a.m. The TUC Lagos State Council, Aladetan Abiodun urged all units and members to participate in solidarity for the rights of Nigerian workers and citizens.
A joint letter from the TUC and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) confirmed the planned protests at designated centres aimed at addressing the tariff issue.
The protest marks the culmination of mounting dissatisfaction regarding electricity costs and services in the country, as concerns mount about the economic repercussions and social fairness in energy policies.
NLC, TUC Storm NERC Office, Order Chairman Out to Address Them
Members of the NLC and TUC commenced their protests at the NERC office on Monday, May 13. They demanded that the NERC Chairman/CEO, Engr Sanusi Garba, immediately address their demands.
