Electricity workers reject tariff hike, say decision anti- people

• Labour may demand N665,000 minimum wage

NATIONAL Union of Electricity Employees ( NUEE) has demanded a reversal of the recent increase in electricity tariff, stating that the hike was detrimental to economic diversification, growth and well- being of Nigerians.

In a statement yesterday by its acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the union warned of an impending danger nationwide, especially on the safety of its members, who are at risk of being attacked by the citizenry during the disconnection of public power.

NUEE argued that the recent hike in electricity tariff from N68/ kwh to N225/ kwh was absurd in a country, where the majority strive to survive amid an energy access rate of about 55 per cent.

It added that there has not been any meaningful improvement since the privatisation of the power sector.

According to the union, the country has an installed capacity of about 14,000MW but generates roughly 4,803MW, while it needs at least 30,000MW for self- sufficiency.

NUEE regretted that the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu and the regulator, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission ( NERC) allegedly did not consult with stakeholders before announcing the decision.

The statement claimed: “Adelabu has relegated himself to a spokesperson for the distribution companies ( DisCos), where he is justifying cost- reflective tariffs.”

Faulting NERC that the hike is only for Band A consumers, who make up only 15 per cent of customers and consume 40 per cent of the nation’s energy needs, the union held that the public is the one that would be most affected.

It noted that they are the customers and end- users of the Band A products and services.

The electricity workers stressed that the additional cost would be transferred to the common man, who would end up being indirectly exploited amid dwindling purchasing power and increasing impoverishment. They added that a country that genuinely has the interest of its people at heart and wants to grow would ensure that the real sector is given the most support it can get.

BESIDES, the N615,000 minimum wage being demanded by organised labour might be reviewed upward.

The Guardian gathered that with the new electricity tariff, labour’s demand might increase by N50,000 to make for a N665,000 wage.