NLC and TUC to Picket NERC and DisCos Offices Over Electricity Tariff Hike

By Iyojo Ameh

Today, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are set to picket the offices of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies (DisCos) nationwide in protest against the recent hike in electricity tariff.

In a joint statement by NLC’s Acting General Secretary Chris Uyot and TUC’s counterpart Anka Hassan, the unions announced the picketing action scheduled for today, May 13th, 2024, simultaneously across all states and the FCT.

The statement reads, “We write to inform you of the picketing action scheduled to take place in the offices of the NERC and Electricity Distribution companies (DISCOS) in all states, including the FCT.

The unions expressed their dissatisfaction with the tariff hike despite the NERC’s review, citing failed reversal deadlines as the reason for their action.

The recent increase in electricity tariff has sparked criticism from various quarters, especially amid the country’s economic challenges, including inflation and the removal of petroleum subsidy.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) criticized the move, claiming it was aimed at funding the financially strained DisCos. However, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu defended the hike, stating that the Federal Government would pay about N1.8 trillion in electricity subsidy in 2024.

Adelabu reiterated that the review of tariffs is legal under the Electricity Act, 2023, which provides for biannual reviews by NERC.

In response to public outcry, the House of Representatives called on NERC to suspend the implementation of the tariff hike.