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The NLC has vowed to resist the tariff increase
- Minor tariff review takes effect on 1st January
- NERC denies 50% increment
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and other Consumer groups such as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Energy Consumer Rights and Responsibilities Initiative (ECRRI), and All Electricity Consumers Protection Forum (AECPF) have decried the recent electricity tariff increase.
The President of the NLC, reacting to the increment said: “This is not only condemnable, but there is an element of deceit in it because there is a standing committee of the Federal Government which the NERC, is part of, still working on how to address the issue arising from the last electricity tariff hike which Labour intervened”. He assured that the organised labour will meet to discuss the issue and respond appropriately.
Reacting to the increment, the National Coordinator, AECPF, Adeola Samuel-Ilori said the increment was unjust and illegal. Speaking further he said, “Our position is that we are examining the situation because it is a legal issue and we may need to go to court for interpretation if they go ahead with the adjustment”
“We are calling on the National Assembly to urgently intervene and halt this minor review for now”, the National President, ECRRI, Sural Fadairo said in reaction to the increment.
Other consumer groups such as the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) also reacted to the news of the increase in tariff. The National President, Ambassador Ayo Olukanni said: “In the current reality of COVID-19 and its impact on the Nigerian economy, currently manifesting as economic recession, a continuous increase in the cost of production (which would be the result of these periodical increases) will impede the growth of the real sector”.
Nigerians have reacted to the increase in tariff, with a majority calling it outrageous and insensitive.