Labour unions across Nigeria rally against electricity tariff hikes, demand immediate actions

Labour unions across 36 states in Nigeria held protests in the offices of the electricity distribution companies to show their grievances over the increase in the electricity tariff. They vowed not to backtrack until the Federal Government takes appropriate measures…

Organised labour unions in Nigeria have commenced protests against the recent increment in the electricity tariff.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) accused energy distribution companies (DisCOs) of exploiting electricity users in Nigeria with their tariffs and high bills.

Members of the two main unions stormed the offices of electricity distribution companies across the states with scores of their members.

The unions argued that Nigerians were not enjoying adequate electricity supply, which they described as epileptic.

Members of the unions displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Nigeria workers and people reject electricity tariff hike” and “Reverse the tariff hike,” among others.

Over the weekend, the unions directed members nationwide to picket the Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC) and distribution companies in their states until they reversed the newly introduced tariff increment.

They promised not to backtrack on picketing the distribution companies until the Federal Government of Nigeria takes immediate action.

Meanwhile, the government has announced that efforts are ongoing to engage labour unions in negotiations to end the current face-off.

Recall that in April 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission announced a 240 percent electricity tariff increase for customers getting more hours of power supply.

The government argued that the move would save the country N1.5 trillion, and that only 15 percent of the 12.8 million electricity customers would be affected.