- NLC threatens industrial action
- Issues statement on speculated tariff increase
In a statement signed and issued by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ayuba Wabba, the Union has warned that it would embark on industrial action over the alleged increase in electricity tariffs. In the letter titled “Notice on Speculations on increase in Electricity Tariff,” Wabba warned that any attempt to increase electricity tariffs would be resisted.
“We wish to draw your attention to the wave of speculation, especially as widely reported in the media, that there are fresh plans to grant approval to Electricity Distribution Companies to hike electricity tariff.” the letter read.
“We write to remind the minister that organised labour on September 28, 2020, through the federal government-organised labour committee on Electricity Tariff agreed to freeze further increases in electricity tariff until the committee concludes its work and its report adopted by all the principals in the committee.” the letter stated.
“It is in light of this that we dismiss the on-going speculation on increase in electricity tariff as mere speculations. We, however, find it prudent to put you on notice that should government make true the swirling speculation by approving an increase in electricity tariff, oganised labour would be left with no option than to deploy the industrial mechanisms granted in our laws; for the defense of workers’ rights.” the letter stated.
Earlier this week, a leaked memo from Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) showed the plans for a tariff increment to take effect in September. However, the Managing Director of EKEDC, Adeoye Fadebiyi, has since denied the planned tariff increase.