The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has kicked against the increment of electricity tariff, saying it is a plan to inflict further pain on Nigerians at a time of great economic distress. NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, in a statement, maintained that the impending upward tariff review is “dead on arrival as it will be resisted by the Nigerian working class and good spirited people”. The NLC stressed that it is also deeply concerned about what he called “the deaf and dumb posture of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC.”
The statement adds that “NERC would be putting its name on the wrong side of history if it continues to play the ostrich while a group of portfolio investors make a blood meal of Nigerians”. The NLC statement further asked NERC to speak up and act now in defence of the rights of the Nigerian people. “This (tariff review) move is inspite of the resolution of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and even the direct orders of Mr. President that the plans by DISCOs to hike electricity tariff should be suspended until further notice. We are not aware of any order by the government or the elected representatives of the Nigerian people de-freezing the order to suspend any plans to inflict more pocket and psychological trauma on Nigerians by way of reckless and insensitive hike in electricity tariff,” the statement read.
YANS