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The organized Labour union took action by shutting down the headquarters of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) due to the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
Led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), they demanded a reversal of the tariff increase and shut down state offices of electricity distribution companies (DisCos) across the country.
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The privatization of the power sector was heavily criticized as a “colossal failure,” with demands for a complete reversal of the exercise and the recovery of all public electricity assets sold.
The NLC and TUC gave a deadline to the Minister of Power and the Chairman/CEO of NERC to reverse the tariff hike or face industrial unrest.
NERC had previously announced an increase in electricity tariffs, which drew condemnation from various sections of the country, including Organized Labour. The picketing of NERC, TCN, and the Ministry of Power was carried out by the NLC and TUC, displaying placards expressing their grievances.
Addressing journalists, Comrade Joe Ajaero emphasized that wage-earning workers are severely affected by the increase in electricity tariffs, unlike business people who can adjust their income. He highlighted the adverse effects on small and medium-scale businesses, leading to closures and increasing unemployment.
Organized Labour demanded the complete reversal of power sector privatization, a halt to further tariff increases, and respect for the rights of electricity consumers. They called for measures to cushion the effects of subsidy removal, de-dollarization of gas supply, distribution of prepaid meters, and investment in green and renewable energy sources.
At the NERC headquarters, the chairman assured Labour of adequate representation on the policy side regarding tariff affordability. He mentioned efforts to diversify energy sources and increase generation capacity to lower tariffs. Additionally, he addressed concerns about the involvement of banks in distribution companies and emphasized the need for proper core investors in the sector.
Similar protests occurred across various states, with Labour leaders demanding the reversal of tariff hikes and improvements in electricity supply. The federal government responded by stating its intention to engage stakeholders and address the issue, promising to go back to the drawing board with relevant stakeholders to find a resolution.