FG Responds to Electricity Tariff Hike Protests: Calls Meeting Amidst Labour Threats of Indefinite Strike

The Federal Government is set to convene a crucial meeting next week to address the demands of organised labour following the recent hike in electricity tariffs. The move comes in response to protests that disrupted activities at the Federal Ministry of Power and the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) headquarters in Abuja.

Organised labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), has vehemently opposed the tariff hike and threatened to escalate protests indefinitely if their demands are not met. The nationwide protests were triggered by the government’s decision to raise electricity tariffs and remove subsidies from the power sector.

The NERC announced a significant hike in electricity tariffs for Band A customers, representing a 240 per cent increase, sparking outrage among consumers. The decision affects approximately 15 per cent of the total 12.82 million power consumers across the country.

In response to the protests, the Ministry of Power has pledged to engage in comprehensive dialogue with all stakeholders to address the concerns raised by labour unions. However, labour leaders have issued a one-week ultimatum for the government to reverse the tariff hike, threatening to escalate the protests into a full-blown action if their demands are not met.

Labour leaders have criticized the government’s decision, citing the economic hardships faced by Nigerians and the lack of adequate consultation before implementing the tariff hike. They argue that the hike exacerbates power poverty in the country, with electricity supply falling far below demand.

Despite assurances from the NERC chairman that measures are being taken to increase generation capacity and address concerns raised by labour, protesters remain adamant in their demand for a total reversal of the tariff hike.

The protests have spread across various states, with labour unions shutting down offices of electricity distribution companies (Discos) and demanding immediate action from the government. The demonstrations highlight the growing discontent among Nigerians over the cost of living and the impact of government policies on their livelihoods.