Newscenter Media News The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an immediate reversal of the new tariff hike by electricity Distribution Companies (DisCOs), saying it would do further damage to the economy.
A statement on Friday by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the hike in tariff by the DisCos from N206.80 to N209.5 (with effect from July 1) for band ‘A’ customers represented the height of impunity and arrogance and would certainly put more companies out of business, as well as create more difficulties for consumers.
He said the increment has come on the heels of unresolved disputes around the alleged insane 250 per cent hike in tariff leading to the shutting down of 300 businesses as reported by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
Ajaero recalled that the 250 per cent hike drew the ire of the citizenry and the rage of organised labour whose members went on a one-day protest for its unreasonableness and violation of extant rules of tariff hike.
“We had demanded a reversal. The only reason that action was paused was a firm assurance from relevant quarters including the National Assembly that the matter would be dealt with quietly,” he said.
Ajaero stated that another hike instead of a reversal of the initial hike (as promised) was further proof of the insincerity of the government.
The NLC chief said the Congress does not doubt that the frequent crass displays of insincerity and insensitivity would pit the people against the government or vice versa.
He added: “The three excuses given by DisCos (exchange rate, interest rate and cost of gas) as justification for this increase underscore our argument that the government and entities in the energy sector are not serious about finding an enduring solution to our energy crisis. For, clearly, they are treating the symptoms.”
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