The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the latest hike in electricity tariff.
TUC labeled the increase by Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as a potential cause of social unrest in the country.
According to the Deputy President of TUC, Dr. Tommy Okoh, the hike is intolerable.
“The hike in the electricity tariff from 66/kwh to 225/kwh for people who enjoy electricity supply for 20 hours per day is totally unacceptable and a recipe for unrest.” Dr Okoh said.
He berated the government’s insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians, citing the absence of consistent electricity supply across the nation, including critical economic zones like airports.
“This government should know that they were not voted into office for the enslavement of the citizens but to protect and better the lots of the masses. This is an indication that the poor can no longer breathe,” he said.
However, NERC stated that tariff increase aims to reduce the government’s estimated N2.9 trillion electricity subsidy in the 2024 fiscal year.
The recent hike indicates the end of federal government subsidies for customers receiving an average of 20 hours of electricity supply per day, where Band A customers tariffs will jump by 230 per cent from N68 per kilowatt-hour to N225/kWh.
The Vice Chairman of NERC, Mr. Musliu Oseni, further highlighted that this decision was as a result of the government’s failure to meet its financial obligations to the Electricity Market.
The TUC’s stance marks larger concerns over the impact of high costs on the average Nigerian, especially amidst the current economic challenges.
Chinedum Anayo