…vows to occupy commission offices, GenCos, DisCos nationwide by May 13
…says NERC has become tacit collaborator in crafting oppressive pricing regime against Nigerians
By Ukpono Ukpong
The end has not been heard of the recently increased electricity tariff, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to immediately reverse the tariff hike or be ready to face resistance from the Nigerians.
In a letter addressed to NERC, the Congress strongly warned that if by May 12, the commission fails to reverse the electricity hike, it will be forced to mobilise her members and occupy all NERC offices and those of the DisCos nationwide until justice is served.
The NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, in the letter accused NERC who is supposed to serve as the ombudsman of becoming a tacit collaborator in crafting oppressive pricing regime against Nigerians.
“This is to refer you to our May Day address where we expressed grave concerns regarding the recent announcement of an astronomical hike in electricity tariff across the nation from N65/kwh to N225/Kwh by your Commission.
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“We believe that this decision is not just morally reprehensible considering the difficulties Nigerians are faced with currently, but it blatantly disregards fundamental principles and statutory obligations. It is a slap in the face of justice and fairness, and we will not stand idly by as the masses and workers are subjected to such unacceptable exploitation.
“As the Regulator of the Electricity sector, it is imperative that your Commission grasps the weight of its responsibilities. NERC’s role entails the regulation of electricity tariffs in the country, a duty outlined in explicit detail within the statutes governing the Commission. Yet, with this recent tariff hike which you have acquiesced, it is evident that the Commission has forsaken its duty and abandoned the people it was meant to protect to the fat cats in the electricity industry.
“We are miffed that NERC has become a tacit collaborator in crafting the oppressive pricing regime being perpetuated against Nigerian workers and people. The Laws that set up the Commission mandates it to act as an unbiased ombudsman in the electricity industry. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case as it has acted in cahoots with the Distribution Companies (DisCos) and the Generating Companies (GENCOs) to promote their nefarious market practices.
“The announced tariff hike not only defies the established procedure mandated by law but also tramples upon the rights of Nigerian citizens. It is a flagrant abuse of power and a clear violation of the trust bestowed upon your Commission by Nigerian people. Such actions will not be tolerated, and we refuse to accept them as the new norm.
“Nigerian workers and masses led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), stand united in denouncing this injustice. It is our duty to defend the rights of our fellow citizens against exploitation.
“Therefore, we issue the following demands: An immediate reversal of the hike in electricity tariff to N65/kwh. Immediate cessation of the discriminatory practice of segregating electricity consumers into arbitrary bands.
“Restoration of the supremacy of the statutes governing the conduct of operators within the electricity industry.
“We give you until Sunday, the 12th day of May, 2024, to comply. Failure to do so will result in swift and decisive action on our part as we will not hesitate to mobilize our members and occupy all NERC’s offices and those of the DISCOS nationwide until justice is served,” the letter read in part.
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