The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have kicked against the 40% hike in electricity tariff on July 1.
NLC described the move as insensitive and callous, saying it reflected an organised indifference to the well-being of consumers, especially, the poor ones.
On their part, TUC said it is the height of insensitivity to the suffering of the masses of the country.
NLC in a statement by the President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, advised government to shelve the proposed tariff hike in the collective safety of the masses.
The statement read: “The plan to increase electricity tariff by 40% by July 1 is both insensitive and callous and reflects an organised indifference to the well-being of consumers, especially, the poor masses.
“The massive increase is explained away as a response to the over 100 per cent increase in the pump price of premium motor spirit, otherwise known as petrol.
“Details reveal a movement in inflation from 16.9% to 22.41 (threatening to needle 30), and a shift in exchange rate from N441 to N750.
“We believe not even these figures are a justification for this reckless proposed tariff increase.
The issue of capacity to pay and quality of service delivery are not only germane but superior to any rationalisation by market logic.”
“The inherent risk in the new regime of tariff is that there is no control, implying that by August, consumers will pay new rates.
“The other risk is that by the time other product or service-rendering entities come up with their new prices or rates, the ordinary person would have been compacted into dust.
“The rate at which they are going is highly combative and combustible. With contemplation of payment of increased school fees in tertiary institutions and increases in privately-owned ones, in addition to other costs/tariffs on the way, life in Nigeria could truly be Hobbesian.
“In light of this, our advice is that this proposed tariff hike should be shelved for our collective safety.”
Reacting in a similar manner, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Deputy President, Dr Tommy Okon urged the government to jettison the planned increase because it would compound the socio-economic woes of most Nigerians already over burdened with high inflation and general high cost of living.
He said “This new government should consider the plight of the suffering masses who are already over-burdened with high inflation and general unbearable high cost of living and other socio-economic realities.
“Agreed that the government inherited a bad economy, but policies are not made to worsen the plight of the masses, but to improve the living conditions of the citizens, especially the poor.
“The planned 40 per cent hike in electricity tariff is the height of insensitivity. The government has set up a committee with organized labour to work out modalities and ways of cushioning the negative effects of the subsidy removal.
“But now, the government is already making the expected outcome of the committee useless by the planned hike. The government should jettison the planned hike.
