The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have begun nationwide protests against the recent electricity tariff hike and removal of subsidy from the power sector by the Federal Government. The protests, which will start on Monday (today), aim to reverse the tariff hike to the subsidy era.
The NLC and TUC have mobilized their members and affiliates for the protests, which will include picketing at the offices of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and power distribution companies across the country.
Civil society organizations, including the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, and the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, have also endorsed the protests.
The labour unions argue that the tariff hike, which represents a 240% increase, will further impoverish Nigerians and worsen the economic situation. They also point out that the government cannot fix tariffs in a sector that has been deregulated.
Despite a recent downward review of the tariff by NERC, the labour unions insist on a total reversal to the subsidy era tariff. They have rejected the government’s argument that the increase is necessary to avoid a nationwide blackout, citing the need for a more sustainable solution to the power sector’s challenges.
The protests are expected to continue until the government meets the labour unions’ demands, which include a reversal of the tariff hike and a more inclusive approach to addressing the power sector’s challenges.