The Nigeria labour Congress (NLC) has opposed the proposed increase in the electricity tariff across the country.
This is even as it has mobilised its members nationwide to resist any form of increase by the Distribution Companies (DisCos), and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), warning them to retract their steps.
President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, who spoke in Lagos, said the increase is to further impoverish Nigerians, stressing that it would not solve the challenge in the sector, and would not bring about the much-needed efficiency.
He maintained that tariff increase cannot be the answer to power failure in Nigeria, rather it would lead to job losses and many businesses are going to close shop, vowing that labour would not allow this to happen.
He said that Federal Government instead of supporting the DisCos on increasing electricity tariff should come out boldly to let Nigerians know if the privatisation of the sector has failed.
“We have organisations that can run it effectively, we should be saved from all these traumas,” he added.He said presently that no worker in Nigeria can be able to pay more for electricity, wondering how much out of the new wage of N30,000 can be spared for electricity.
Wabba also noted that the increase in value added tax (VAT) on electricity bill to consumers is a double jeopardy and clearly a form of exploitation, “as no meters are provided and when provided they are not durable, and the Discos just charge consumers as they like. So you see that consumers are at the receiving end of paying for light not provided.” he stated.