Labour Blows Hot, Makes Fresh Demands on Power Sector Privatisation
The organised Labour in Nigeria on Monday condemned the advserse effects of recent hikes in electricity tariffs on wage-earning workers as well as small and medium-scale enterprises.
It therefore demanded the complete reversal of the power sector privatisation and the recovery of all public electricity assets sold.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) made the demands while picketing the headquarters of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in Abuja, displaying placards with poignant messages condemning the perceived failures of the privatisation process and the adverse impact of tariff hikes on the populace.
NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, described the power sector privatisation as a “colossal failure,” highlighting the negative impacts on workers and businesses.
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He said: “As workers are hit hardest by the increase in electricity tariff. Unlike business people, wage earning workers cannot adjust their income when the cost of utilities are increased.
“The stagnancy in wage amidst increases in electricity and refined petroleum products push workers over and beyond the limits of sanity and survival.
“Small and medium scale businesses which accommodates millions of workers in the informal economy is severally affected by the increases in energy cost.
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“This have led to shutdown of business thus blooming Nigeria unemployment market,” he said.
In response, Sanusi Garba, Chairman of NERC, acknowledged Labour’s concerns and assured them of the Commission’s commitment to addressing issues related to tariff affordability.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to diversify energy sources, citing the development of the Zukeru 700-megawatt power plant as a significant step forward.
The protest was also taken to the Ministry of Power and Transmission Company of Nigeria.
