Organized Labour Urge Tinubu Government to Reduce Electricity Tariff and Remove Customer Band Classification
Labour organizations have asserted that reversing the recent electricity tariff increase and abolishing the classification of consumers into bands are essential measures to alleviate the financial strain on Nigerian workers and the broader population.
Following a joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Tuesday, labour leaders called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address these issues urgently. This call was articulated in a communique released after the NEC meeting, held at the NLC’s National Headquarters, where discussions also focused on the government’s proposal for a higher national minimum wage. The meeting followed the initiation of an indefinite nationwide strike.
The communique, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, underscored the necessity of reversing the electricity tariff hike and eliminating the “apartheid” classification of electricity consumers. The NEC emphasized that addressing these concerns is crucial for reducing the financial pressures on Nigerian workers and the general public.
The highest decision-making body of the Organised Labour reiterated that the electricity tariff increase and the discriminatory band classification must be resolved in conjunction with discussions on wage increases.
The communique stated, “The NEC-in-Session is deeply disappointed by the government’s silence and lack of concrete action regarding the reversal of the electricity tariff hike and the abolition of the apartheid classification of electricity consumers into bands. These issues are critical to alleviating the financial burden on Nigerian workers and the general populace. The electricity tariff hike and discriminatory band classification remain unacceptable and must be addressed alongside the wage increase.”
Additionally, the statement highlighted the need to create a conducive environment for ongoing negotiations. As a result, the indefinite nationwide strike action will be suspended for one week to allow the Federal Government to commit to a concrete and acceptable national minimum wage, take definitive steps to reverse the electricity tariff increase to N66/kWh, and abolish the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into bands.
The NLC and TUC National Leadership are tasked with maintaining open communication channels with the Federal Government to negotiate and secure favorable outcomes for Nigerian workers and the populace. All affiliate unions and state councils are directed to suspend the indefinite nationwide strike and return to their respective workplaces immediately.
The NEC-in-Session expressed profound gratitude to Nigerian workers and the general public for their unwavering support and solidarity in the struggle for improved living and working conditions. The NLC and TUC remain committed to taking all necessary actions to protect the rights and welfare of all Nigerian people and workers, urging everyone to await further directives as negotiations continue.
