- Nationwide protest today against electricity tariff hikes and subsidy removal.
- Targeting NERC offices to shut down Abuja headquarters and state power distribution offices.
Last night, organised labour issued reminder notices for a nationwide protest starting May 13, 2024, against the federal government’s electricity tariff hike and subsidy removal. The protest targets Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) offices, aiming to shut down its Abuja headquarters, Ministry of Power, and state power distribution offices.
NERC’s tariff hike of 240 per cent, announced on April 3, affects Band A customers, who now pay N225/kWh, up from N68/kWh. This impacts 15 per cent of 12.82 million consumers nationwide. Stakeholders, including the Nigerian Senate and civil society, demand a tariff hike reversal, citing its adverse effects.
NERC’s recent downward tariff review from N225/kWh to N206.8/kWh, an 8.1 per cent reduction, aims to appease unions, attributed to the naira’s appreciation. Trade Union Congress (TUC) calls for nationwide picketing against NERC and Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) today. Opposing the tariff hike and advocating for affordable electricity.
TUC urges member participation, targeting specific offices in Lagos State, such as EKO Electricity Distribution Plc and NERC Ikeja Forum Office. A joint letter from NLC and TUC confirms today’s protests, emphasising solidarity in defending Nigerian workers’ rights.
The planned nationwide protest against the electricity tariff hike and subsidy removal reflects widespread dissatisfaction among stakeholders, which includes organised labour and civil society. The focus on shutting down NERC offices underscores the severity of the issue.
Demands for a tariff hike reversal and affordable electricity are at the forefront. The recent downward tariff review by NERC indicates attempts to appease unions. But tensions remain high, highlighting the ongoing struggle between government policies and public welfare concerns.