Labour On War Path Over Increased Electricity Tariff

The recent raise in electricity tariff has resulted in an uprising in the labour union.

The union is not pleased with the constant increase in electricity charges, especially because it has not meaningfully improved the effectiveness of power supply.

Although the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola assured that the tariff increase is a welcome development, this has not relaxed the mind of Nigerians, particularly the labour unions which include theNigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.

The unions have led a simultaneous protest all over the country in their bid to ensure a reversal of the new electricity bill.

The protesters stormed the various offices of the power firms nationwide as early as 8am, chasing out some officials of the companies who had resumed for work, holding placards with the inscriptions, ‘No to increase in electricity tariff’ and ‘No meter, no payment’.

The TUC President, Mr. Bala Kaigama, said the labour movement would continue with the protest against the tariff hike until its reversal.

Also, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress accused the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola of conspiring with electricity companies to create the new price.

NLC president, Ayuba

He said, “We will not allow a situation where a few will collaborate, including our Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatubde Fashola; we are really disappointed because he did not even respond to all the letters we wrote to him.

“This protest is to tell the Discos and Gencos that we will not allow a situation where they will continue to fleece Nigerians.”

The current protest will serve as a strong statement of intent by the labour unions concerning their interest to protect Nigerians from exploitation by service providers.

Senate president, Olusola Saraki and Labour leaders.

Under the new power  tariff regime, electricity consumers in R2 class, said to be under residential, will payN24.30 per kilowatt in Abuja; Benin-N24.08; Enugu-N27.13; Ibadan -N23.09; Jos- N26.93; Kaduna – N27.36 and N28.05 (in single phase and three phases); Kano – N20.26 and N26.41; Ikeja – N21.30 and N21.80; Port Harcourt –N24.91; Eko- N24.00 and 25.79; Yola –N23.25 and N24.75 per kilowatt. Meanwhile,  residential customers  under R2 class within Abuja. NLC protest electricity tariff hike in Abuja NLC protest electricity tariff hike in Abuja NLC protest electricity tariff hike in Abuja NLC protest electricity tariff hike in Abuja NLC protest electricity tariff hike in Abuja NLC protest electricity tariff hike in Abuja NLC protest electricity tariff hike in Abuja 75 Shares5511