The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded an urgent reversal of the new energy rate, which went into effect on July 1, claiming it is harming people and the economy.
Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, stated in a statement he signed that “this increment has come in the wake of unresolved contestations around the insane 250 per cent tariff hike that led to national paralysis, including the closure of 300 businesses, as disclosed by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN.”
The statement reads: "The increase in tariffs by DISCOs from N206.80 to N209.5 (effective July 1) for the so-called band ‘A’ customers marks the pinnacle of impunity and arrogance, and it will undoubtedly push more companies out of business while also creating further hardships for consumers.
"This increase comes on the heels of unresolved disputes over the ridiculous 250 per cent tariff increase, which caused national paralysis and the closure of 300 firms, according to MAN. The 250 per cent raise enraged citizens and organized labour, whose members staged a one-day demonstration over its unreasonableness and violation of existing tariff hike guidelines.
“We demanded a reversal.” The only reason the action was delayed was a solid commitment from relevant parties, notably the National Assembly, that the subject would be handled quietly. The fact that there is another raise rather than a reversal (as promised) demonstrates the government’s insincerity, as well as its insensitivity.
We do not doubt that this frequent exhibition of insincerity and insensitivity would turn the people against the government, or vice versa.
“The three explanations supplied by power distribution firms, DISCOs (exchange rate, interest rate, and cost of gas) as justification for this rise reinforce our position that the government and energy sector entities are not serious about finding a long-term solution to our energy dilemma.” Because they are addressing symptoms.
Given the additional harm that this latest wave of increases would cause to our economy, we demand an immediate reversal of the raise. It is unjust, unreasonable, and wicked. “The government and DISCOs must cease destroying people and the economy.”