NLC and TUC begins mass protests over electricity tariff hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have begun a nationwide protest to oppose the recent increase in electricity tariffs in the country.

Following the increase in tariff, as set by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the minister for power, works and housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has come under heavy criticism.

Fashola had said on Teusday, February 2, that the increment in electricity tariff will improve power supply. Noting that the increment was not unlawful, the minister stressed that the rise in tariff is increase the standard of supply in a bid to keep investors who will pull out if they get no returns on their investments.

But the civil society movement which rejected the hike described it as dictatorial, insisting that: “due process stipulated in extant laws for such increment was not observed. “

The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba had called for Fashola to reverse his decision or face a nationwide protest.

Ayuba said the NLC will mobilize on Monday, February 8, to oppose the 45 per cent increase in electricity tariff as announced by the NERC.