NLC Plans Nationwide Picketing Against Electricity Tariff Hike

By: Emmanuel Ibitoye

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to picket offices of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) nationwide on Monday in protest against the recent electricity tariff hike.

The directive for the picketing came after a meeting of the Central Working Committee (CWC) on April 30, 2024. NLC Acting Secretary-General, Chris Uyot, confirmed the planned nationwide picketing on Monday, May 13, 2024.

In a statement, Uyot expressed the union’s dissatisfaction with the electricity tariff hike, citing its adverse impact on the general populace. The NLC had earlier issued a protest letter to NERC, setting a deadline of May 12, 2024, for the reversal of the tariff hike, failing which they threatened mass action.

According to the NLC, the tariff hike not only bypasses legal procedures but also infringes on the rights of Nigerian citizens, pushing them into harsh economic conditions. The union called for urgent intervention to address the situation and ensure fair and affordable electricity tariffs for all.

NERC is yet to respond to the NLC’s demands, raising tensions as the planned picketing looms, with potential implications for the electricity sector and public welfare.