Mathew Amaechi
In a surprise move, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has shelved its planned nationwide protest against the recent 35% hike in electricity tariff. The decision comes after the labour union’s meeting with the federal government and other stakeholders in the power sector.
The NLC had initially threatened to embark on a nationwide protest to express its dissatisfaction with the tariff hike, which it described as “insensitive” and “anti-people.” However, after a series of meetings with the government and other stakeholders, the labour union decided to call off the protest.
Meanwhile, electricity subscribers across the country have expressed mixed reactions to the tariff hike. While some subscribers have welcomed the hike, hoping that it would lead to improved power supply, others have condemned it, describing it as “excessive” and “unjustifiable”
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had announced the 35% tariff hike last week, citing the need to reflect the current economic realities and ensure the sustainability of the power sector. The commission also assured subscribers that the tariff hike would lead to improved power supply and better services from the distribution companies.
In a related development, the federal government has promised to implement measures to cushion the effects of the tariff hike on vulnerable Nigerians. The government has also assured that it would continue to engage with stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges facing the power sector.
As the dust settles on the tariff hike controversy, Nigerians are eagerly waiting to see if the government and the power distribution companies would fulfill their promises to improve power supply and services.
NLC’s decision was welcomed by the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers as the group called for better relief measures for telcos.