Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos
October 16, 2015 – The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has noted with dismay recent media reports on plans by electricity distribution companies (DISCO) in the country to increase tariff on electricity by an average of 49.4 percent.
In a statement, President and Secretary, TUC, Comrades Bobboi Kaigama and Musa Lawal said it is aware that a number of proposals have already been submitted to the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) pursuant to this objective.
“In view of the present harsh economic realities in the land, it is our view that the proposed increase is wrong and lacks human face.
“Why should the masses be at the receiving end of every wrong and retrogressive policy in the country? Why must they always pay for what the rich consume more? What sense does it make for a man who earns less than N20,000 per month to pay over N8,000 for electricity bill alone within the same month? Why should they pay so much for what they do not use regularly enough, with officers of the distribution companies rarely bothering to read the analogue metres? Why should these questionable issues that are spared no thought in other climes take centre stage in Nigeria? Surely Nigerians deserve a much better deal”, the TUC said.
According to the union, NERC is considering introducing measures that will facilitate reduction of the rate of the fixed charge on consumers adding that what has been happening all along is same with what is obtainable in the telecom sector.
“They either assign tones to subscribers or enrol them on plans that attract daily, weekly or monthly deductions. We say no to this nonsensical idea. The N750 charge is fundamentally fraudulent and unjust and must be outrightly abolished. Anyone canvassing its sustenance or any increase in tariff does a grave disservice to the nation, “, the TUC said.
It noted that implementation of the planned increase would amount to an invitation to anarchy. It is totally oppressive, indefensible and retrogressive”, the union said.
It said NERC has been foot-dragging on the issue of making prepaid meters readily available to consumers of electricity because of excessive billing they have been imposing on all and sundry.
It added that the NERC and DISCO would do well to shun anything that would attract the wrath of the masses.
