Today, Nigerian labour unions are set to embark on a nationwide protest against the recent increase in electricity tariffs and the elimination of subsidies in the power sector by the Federal Government. The protest is expected to affect various government offices and power distribution companies across the country.
Specifically, the protest is likely to result in the closure of the following offices:
– Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) headquarters in Abuja
– Ministry of Power
– Regional branches of power distribution companies
The electricity tariff hike, which was announced by NERC on April 3, has been widely criticized by labour unions and consumers. The new tariff regime, which represents a 240% increase, sees Band A customers paying N225 per kilowatt-hour, up from the previous rate of N68/kWh.
The labour unions, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have vowed to continue the protest until the government reverses the tariff hike and restores the subsidies in the power sector. The unions argue that the hike will further exacerbate the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers and citizens.
The protest is expected to draw widespread support from civil society organizations, consumer groups, and other stakeholders who are opposed to the tariff hike. The government has yet to respond to the labour unions’ demands, but the protest is likely to put pressure on the authorities to reconsider their decision.
