Leaders of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the 10-member Committee set up by the Federal Government to conclude its negotiation as part of efforts toward resolving the contentious issues raised by the organised labour on the hike in electricity tariff.
The committee comprises of five member delegation from the Federal Government and five member delegation from the organised labour.
Organised Labour on Monday embarked on a nationwide protest to show its displeasure at the increase in tariff by the Distribution Companies.
In Abuja, the protesters, who commenced the rally from Labour House, walked en-mass to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, NERC headquarters and the National Assembly complex, changing solidarity songs.
They expressed dissatisfaction over the imposed tariff without due consultation with the National Assembly and organised labour.
Some of the placard displayed read: “Give us prepaid meters”; “We cannot pay more for darkness”; “Increase electricity supply”; “We are not happy with the recent 45% increase in electricity tariff”; “Say no to privatisation of PHCN, DISCOs and GENCOs”; “Privatisation is corruption”; “NERC enforce MoU on privatisation”; “Who sell NEPA no go die better.”
Ayuba Wabba, the NLC President, noted that the 45 per cent to 65 per cent increment was outrageous and will further heighten the current economic hardship of millions of poor Nigerians.
While stressing the need for NERC to obey subsisting court order, the NLC chief called for amendment of the extant laws with the view to strengthening the regular body against unilateral increase in the tariff.
Wabba argued that the services rendered by the new owners of the privatised companies showed they lack the capacity to run the sector effectively and efficiently five years after taking over.
He also kicked against the unilateral hike in the electricity tariff on yearly basis and flagrant breach of the privatisation agreement of metering all electricity consumers within 18 months of taking over.
On his part, Dipo Fashina, the Chairman of the Joint Action for Labour and Civil Society, argued that the privatisation of essential services such as electricity, which was primary responsibility of government, was in breach of the Nigerian Constitution.
While calling for the intervention of the legislature to reverse all the privatisation of public assets, including roads, airlines, railway, hospitals, Ajaokuta Steel and other essential services, Fashina emphasised the need for immediate reversal of the new electricity tariff.
He also urged the leadership of the Senate to protect the interests of the poor Nigerians who cannot afford the increase in electricity tariff amidst the harsh economic condition.
Also speaking, Boiboi Kaigama, the President of the Trade Union Congress, warned that the organised labour would resort to self-help of taking over the offices of NERC as well as the headquarters and all the offices of DISCOs and GENCOs if the Federal Government fails to comply with the demand of the workers.
Kaigama insisted that the new electricity tariff must be halted pending the resolution of all contentious issues on the policy.
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