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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have jointly issued an ultimatum to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
They have demanded that NERC withdraw the recent increase in electricity tariffs by May 12, 2024, or be prepared to face unprecedented industrial action.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NERC, dated May 3, 2024, and copied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministers of Labour and Power, and the electricity distribution companies (DisCos), the Presidents of NLC and TUC expressed their strong opposition to the significant hike in electricity tariffs.
They emphasized that this decision not only lacks moral justification given the current challenges faced by Nigerians but also disregards fundamental principles and statutory obligations.
The letter further emphasized that NERC, as the regulator of the electricity sector, must fully understand the weight of its responsibilities.
The role of NERC in regulating electricity tariffs is clearly outlined in the statutes governing the commission, and any actions that exploit the masses and workers will not be tolerated.
The recent increase in tariffs, which the Commission has approved, clearly shows that it has neglected its responsibility and abandoned the people it was supposed to protect in favor of the powerful players in the electricity industry.
We are disappointed that NERC has become complicit in creating an unfair pricing system that harms Nigerian workers and citizens.
The laws establishing the commission require it to act as an impartial mediator in the electricity industry. Unfortunately, it has instead worked with the Distribution Companies (DisCos) and Generating Companies (GenCos) to support their unfair business practices.
The announced tariff hike not only goes against the legal procedure but also violates the rights of Nigerian citizens. It is an abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust placed in the commission by the Nigerian people. Such actions will not be accepted, and we refuse to consider them as the new normal.
