Workers picket NERC, power ministry in Abuja over electricity tariff

Workers drawn from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Monday, May 13, 2024, crippled activities at the headquarters of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Ministry of Power in Abuja with a protest over the increase in electricity tariff.

The workers also protested at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) headquarters in the nation’s capital.

NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, who led the protest, lashed out at government officials for failing to consult with Labour stakeholders before announcing the electricity tariff increment.

Electricity tariff: Labour storms DisCos offices in Lagos, Oyo, Osun

Ajaero noted that Nigerian workers and masses deserve access to constant and affordable electricity supply.

He said: “On Wednesday, April 3, the NERC announced an upward review of electricity tariff for electricity consumers in Band A across the country.

“The new rate that was announced for this band of electricity consumers was N225 per kilowatt hour.

“According to NERC, about 15 per cent of Nigeria’s population are in Band A category of electricity consumers which are supposed to enjoy up to 20 hours of power supply daily.”

The workers also stormed various offices of electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in Lagos, Oyo, Osun States, and other parts of the country to protest the recent hike in electricity tariff on Monday.

The Star