ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has strongly opposed the alleged plan to increase electricity tariffs by 40% beginning on July 1, 2023.
Joe Ajaero, the President of NLC, made this disclosure on Thursday, June 22, 2023, condemning the plan as “insensitive and callous”.
Ajaero stated that the planned increase reflects a disregard for the well-being of consumers, particularly the poorer segment of the population.
He argued that the ability to pay and the quality of service delivery should take precedence over any market-driven reasons for increasing tariffs.
“The plan to increase electricity tariff by 40 percent by July 1, 2023, is both insensitive and callous and reflects an organised indifference to the well-being of consumers, especially, the poor ones,” Ajaero said.
He further pointed out that despite receiving various forms of support, electricity service providers have failed to meet the threshold of 5,000 megawatts.
This raises concerns about the quality of electricity services being provided to consumers.
“The issue of capacity to pay and quality of service delivery are not only germane but superior to any rationalisation by market logic. The service providers, in spite of sundry support, have not been able to meet the threshold of 5000 megawatts,” Ajaero explained.
This opposition from the NLC reflects growing concerns about the impact that increased electricity tariffs could have on consumers, particularly amidst economic challenges.
The NLC’s stance is likely to resonate with many Nigerians who are already grappling with the economic downturn and high cost of living.
It remains to be seen how the government and electricity service providers will respond to the criticism and concerns raised by the NLC and whether the planned tariff increase will be reconsidered.
