NLC Plans Mass Protest Against Electricity Tariff Increase

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its intention to stage a nationwide protest against the recent electricity tariff hike.

During the protest, NLC will be picketing the offices of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and various electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) across the country.

NLC’s action, scheduled for Monday, May 13, 2024, is part of a broader protest against the tariff increase, which has been widely criticized by stakeholders, including the House of Representatives and the Nigerian Bar Association.

Its decision follows a directive issued after a crucial meeting of its Central Working Committee (CWC) on April 30, 2024.

Chris Uyot, the NLC’s Acting Secretary-General, confirmed the move in a press statement released on Friday, stating that the nationwide picketing is slated for Monday, May 13, 2024.

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The Labour movement’s dispute with NERC stems from the regulatory body’s announcement of an increase in electricity tariffs for Band A customers, which has been met with widespread criticism.

The new tariff regime saw prices for Band A customers rise to N225 per kilowatt-hour, up from the previous N68/kWh.

Organized Labour argues that the hike not only violates procedural norms set by law but also severely impacts the economic welfare of millions of Nigerians.

In response to the developments, the NLC had previously issued an ultimatum to NERC, demanding a reversal of the tariff increase by May 12, 2024, or face mass action.

With the ultimatum set to expire a day before the planned picket, the stage is set for a significant showdown between labour unions and regulatory authorities.

The unions have stressed that the increase in tariffs is untenable in the current economic climate and exacerbates the hardships faced by the average Nigerian.