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Roll Back Tariff Hike, Stop Snuffing Life Out Of Our Economy – NLC Slams FG

Published

5 months ago

Jul 5, 2024.

NLC President Joe Ajaero has criticized the Tinubu administration and DISCOs over the recent electricity tariff hike, demanding an immediate reversal to prevent further economic hardship.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu’s administration and Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) against the recent hike in electricity tariffs.

Ajaero, in a statement on Thursday, noted that the increase in tariffs, especially for ‘Band A’ customers, has forced more companies out of business and created additional hardships for consumers.

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He emphasized that the NLC had initially calmed its agitation over the tariff hike due to firm assurances from relevant authorities, including the National Assembly, that the issue would be addressed quietly.

The NLC is now demanding an immediate reversal of the hike, urging the Government and DISCOs to cease actions that are detrimental to both the people and the economy.

“The hike in tariff by DISCOs from N206.80 to N209.5 (effective July 1) for the so-called Band ‘A’ customers represents the height of impunity and arrogance and will certainly put more companies out of business as well as create more difficulties for consumers,” the statement read.

“This increment has come in the heels of unresolved contestations around the insane 250% hike in tariff leading to national paralysis including the shutting down of 300 businesses as per MAN.

“The 250% hike drew the ire of the citizenry and rage of organised labour whose members went on a one-day protest for its unreasonableness and violation of extant rules of tariff hike.

“We had demanded a reversal. The only reason that action was paused was a firm assurance from relevant quarters, including the National Assembly, that the matter would be dealt with quietly.

“That there is another hike instead of a reversal (as promised) is further proof of the insincerity of government just as it is equally a measure of government’s insensitivity.

“We have no doubt that this frequent crass display of insincerity and insensitivity will pit the people against the government or vice versa.

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“The three excuses given by DISCOs (exchange rate, interest rate and cost of gas) as justification for this increase underscore our argument that the government and entities in the energy sector are not serious about finding an enduring solution to our energy crisis. For, clearly, they are treating the symptoms.