- The Nigerian government stands firm on an electricity tariff hike despite the request of the Trade Union Congress.
- Ministry of Power spokesperson confirms the government’s stance against tariff reversal.
The Nigerian government refuses to reverse the recent electricity tariff hike despite the Trade Union Congress’s two-week request. Ministry of Power spokesperson Florence Eke confirmed this in a statement on Sunday.
She cited Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu’s previous justification for the Senate public hearing, asserting the government’s stance against trade union pressure. In response, the Trade Union Congress maintains its demand for the tariff reversal within the stipulated timeframe. Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero also opposes the tariff hike.
The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission announced the tariff increase on April 3, affecting Band A customers receiving a minimum of 20 power supplies daily. The new rate of N225 per kilowatt-hour marks a significant jump from the previous N68/kWh, representing a 240% increase.
Government officials defend the hike, arguing it will save the country N1.5 trillion, with only 15% of the 12.8 million electricity customers impacted. Minister Adelabu warns of imminent power shortages, emphasising the necessity of the tariff adjustment.