-Nigerian workers in Abuja have demanded the immediate reversion of the 45-65 per cent increase in electricity tariff
-President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) described the move as outrageous even as he called for laws that would prevent further increase in future.
-The Senate president, Bukola Saraki pledged the support of the National Assembly towards improving the living condition of Nigerian workers
Nigerian workers under the umbrella bodies of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Civil Society Coalition have called for the immediate reversion of the 45-65 per cent increase in electricity tariff in the country.
Protesters along the Federal High Court
This resolution was reached on Monday, February 8 during a protest match which started from the Labour house to the Electricity Distribution Company, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
The protest which resulted in gridlock in major parts of the city had most protesters chanting solidarity songs even as they walked long distances from one location to the other.
Nigeria Labour Congress members marching to the National Assembly
Describing the move by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as outrageous, illegal and inhumane, the NLC president, Ayuba Wabba stated that the increment was carried out without due consultation between the regulators and Nigerian workers.
He noted that laws should be strengthened to prevent further increment in future.
He said: “The company was privatized about five years ago and by now we were expecting that they would have added value. but instead, they have only increased the tariff. for the past five years, tariff has been increased. The increase is outrageous and it is difficult for Nigerians to swallow this bitter pill.
The president of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Kaigama Bobboi speaking at the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) office
“Nigerians must be carried along if governance is for the good of the people. Let the law be strengthened where people cannot unilaterally just increase the tariff without a resultant increase in the quantity of electricity supplied.
“All over the world, people pay for what they have consumed but today in Nigeria we pay for even darkness and inefficiencies on the part of the electricity distributors. Nigerians have not been issued meters. In the memorandum of understanding at privatization, they were given 18 months period to make meters available to consumers.
A protester
“But they have refused to make meters available to consumers thereby giving consumers estimated bills. This exploitation must end. Because Nigerians are finding it difficult to have three square meals on their table. This tariff should be halted until due consideration is made,” he added.
A protester at the National Electricity Regulatory Commission
Similarly, the president Labour and Civil Society Coalition, Oladipo Fasina called for a review of all privatization policies earlier carried out in Nigeria.
He said: “This problem actually started from the failure of Nigerians to observe the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria which states that the commanding heights of the Nigerian economy shall not be in private hands. Right now, all the commanding heights have been sold out to individuals and collective of individuals in Nigeria.”
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“The issue of electricity in Nigerian is now like beer, bread and so on that you can prize and buy the way you want. We are saying that this must be reversed immediately.”
“The senate as the highest law making body are elected to protect the majority of the people who are poor. You must stop this evil that has been going on all in the name of privatization from this hike in electricity tariff and subject all the privatization that has taken place from our railway, roads, airways, hospitals down to the Ajaokuta steel company.”
Protesters on their way to the National Assembly
Receiving protesters at the National Assembly complex, the president of the senate, Bukola Sakari noted that the senate had set up a ten-man committee to look into the matter.
Workers waiting to be addressed by the leadership of the National Assembly
He said: We will not allow anything that is not palatable to Nigerians. We will not allow anything that would be to the detriment of the masses. There must be consultation. I want to assure you that the 8th National Assembly will always ensure due consultation. We will agree where possible and all we do will be to the interest of the masses.”
Senate president, Bukola Saraki addressing protesters
READ ALSO: Labour unions to protest 45% increase in electricity tariffs
Similarly, Dino Melaye assured protesters that the national assembly would continue to fight for the Nigerian masses.
Senator Dino Melaye addressing protesters
He said: “Democracy will continue to be government of the people, by the people and for the people. Never ever will it be government of the greedy, by the greedy and for the greedy. I want to assure you that the 8th senate is standing on three agendas; the people, the people and the people,” he added.
Naij.com recalls that the NERC on Monday, February 1 effected the new electricity price tariff . NERC boss, Dr. Anthony Akah, had stressed that there is no going back on the new electricity tariff regime in the country.
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