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CSOs Kick As NLC Sets To Take Stand On Electricity Tariff Hike
By Emily Ogah
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have kicked against the new hike in electricity tariff in the country.
They said all the reasons given by government officials on the increase were not tenable, adding that even in advanced countries, citizens enjoy subsidies on some basic necessities like fuel and electricity.
Recall that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Wednesday announced a tariff increment from N68 kilowatt hour (kwh) to N225 kwh.
The NLC described the new electricity tariff increment as insensitive and callous. It said this would further impoverish the already pauperised Nigerians battling the hardship caused by the fuel subsidy removal.
The Head of Information at the NLC headquarters, Benson Upah, told Daily Trust that labour would take a position on the “chaotic” policy after appropriate organs of the movement meet.
“The government’s decision is not only insensitive, it is callous. It further pauperises consumers, especially workers whose wages are fixed and insufficient.
“It similarly makes the operating environment more hostile for manufacturers with potential for an astronomical rise in cost of goods and services or in the worst-case scenario, more closures and loss of jobs.
“The only people who stand to gain from this mindless social violence against the people are the World Bank and IMF. Pity! We will get back to you on that (next step) after the appropriate organs decide.”
Equally speaking, the Executive Director, Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, once again slammed the federal government for increasing the electricity tariffs without consulting relevant stakeholders, “Especially in light of the ongoing hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidy and the instability of the Naira.”
He alleged that similar to the unilateral removal of petrol subsidy, the government had demonstrated a lack of concern for the welfare of the people in its policies.
“In a democratic society, it is expected that the government should prioritise the interests of the people, but when this principle is disregarded, it signifies a regression towards a dictatorial era. In fact, the APC has consistently exhibited an authoritarian political culture, which can be traced back to the General Buhari regime.
“This authoritarian culture has now permeated all aspects of social relations in Nigeria, resulting in widespread insecurity, high levels of unemployment, rampant poverty, and the rapid depreciation of the naira.
“We have now reached a critical juncture where the people must take charge of their own survival,” he stated.
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