Labour Insists FG Must Reverse Electricity Tarrif Hike

Following a joint convening of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress at the National Executive Council, the Organised Labour reiterated its demand for the administration of President Bola Tinubu to initiate measures to revert the recent electricity tariff escalation and dismantle the classification of customers into bands. This stance was articulated in a statement released subsequent to the conclusion of a collaborative NEC session held at the NLC's National Headquarters, which was convened to deliberate on the government's proposition regarding an elevated national minimum wage, following discussions on Monday subsequent to the successful commencement of an indefinite nationwide strike action.

The statement, jointly endorsed by the presidents of NLC and TUC, Comrades Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, underscored the insistence of the organised labour on the imperative of rolling back the electricity tariff hike and dismantling the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into bands, as crucial measures to alleviate the financial strain on Nigerian workers and the populace at large.

As the highest decision-making body of the Organised Labour, the NEC stood firm in its position that addressing the electricity tariff hike and the discriminatory band classification is indispensable alongside considerations for wage adjustments. The communiqué issued at the conclusion of the session highlighted the disappointment of the NEC regarding the government's lack of concrete action in addressing these concerns, emphasizing their significance in mitigating the financial burden on Nigerian workers and the populace. The statement also articulated the necessity for conducive negotiation conditions and announced a one-week relaxation of the indefinite nationwide strike action to afford the Federal Government an opportunity to commit to a tangible and acceptable National Minimum Wage, reverse the electricity tariff hike to N66/kWh, and abolish the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into bands.

Furthermore, the NEC directed all affiliate unions and State Councils to cease the indefinite nationwide strike action and promptly resume their respective workplaces. Expressing gratitude to Nigerian workers and the general public for their steadfast support and solidarity, the NEC reiterated the commitment of NLC and TUC to pursue all necessary actions to safeguard the rights and welfare of all Nigerian citizens and workers. It urged stakeholders to await further directives as negotiations progress.