The Nigeria
Labour Congress (NLC) has disagreed with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory
Commission (NERC) about the way its new tariff system is intended only to
favour investors while milking Nigerians of their hard earned money.
The NLC
president Comrade AbdulWaheed Omar in a statement made in Abuja on Sunday has
stated that this new tariff is rejected by the NLC as NERC didn’t consider the
masses when it was drafting the plan. This tariff seems harder to swallow when
you consider the fact that Nigerians are still battling with epileptic power
supply and the problems that comes with it.
“The
previous year, the charge which was N225, has been arbitrarily increased to
over N700. This review whether done suddenly or in advance is without
justification or rationale and stands condemned as it will negate whatever
gains (that are) expected to be recorded by the much-vaunted reform in the
power sector” he said.
He further
continued about how the exorbitant rates is accompanied by a bad power supply:
“If anything, electricity service delivery has plummeted over the years with
consumers compelled to pay exorbitant tariff rates for incompetence, poor
service and fraud,” he continued.
The
statement added that with the yearly percentage increase, it was predictable
that less than 10% of consumers will be able to pay the outrageous tariff in
the next few years. The NLC added that such a step could be a hindrance to the
economy and the people.
“A viable
power sector is key to revamping and repositioning the economy. Accordingly,
nothing should be done to undermine this objective. However, a reform process
which does not carry along its people or protect their interest has only one
direction to go – the abyss – and stands condemnable.” He said.
NLC has
called on the Federal Government to interfere in the matter to revert the
implementation of the tariff system by NERC.
The rate at
which the government is increasing the tariff, you have to wonder if an average
Nigerian will be able to afford 24 hours of electricity supply daily when PHCN
is capable of supplying it.
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NLC condemns tariff plan by the NERC