Nigeria labour unions call for band a tariff reversal

Organised labor in Nigeria has taken a bold stance against the recent hike in electricity tariff for Band A consumers, as well as the alleged discrimination against the poor in the supply of electricity. The Nigerian Labour Congress, in collaboration with other labor unions, picketed the offices of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and distribution companies across the nation to voice their discontent. The protests stem from the perception that the government's policies favor the wealthy while burdening the less privileged. Funmi Sessi, Chairperson of the Lagos Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, articulated the grievances of the labor unions, emphasizing that the increased electricity tariff and discriminatory practices exacerbate the economic challenges faced by everyday Nigerians. Sessi lamented the exacerbation of hardship following the removal of fuel subsidy, emphasizing that the current administration's policies are disproportionately affecting the poor. She criticized the government for creating disparate bands for electricity tariff, pricing electricity out of reach for many citizens. The protest signals a crucial moment in Nigeria's labor movement as workers join forces to advocate for more equitable policies that prioritize the needs of the masses. The unions maintain that the government's actions perpetuate poverty and hinder economic growth. The organized labor's call for a reversal of the tariff hike reflects a broader push for social justice and fair treatment of all citizens by the authorities. Key theme: Nigerian labor unions protest against the electricity tariff hike for Band A consumers and decry the discrimination against the poor in electricity supply. Key points: 1. Labor unions in Nigeria picket the offices of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and distribution companies to protest the electricity tariff increase and perceived bias against the poor. 2. Funmi Sessi, Chairperson of the Lagos Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, asserts that the government's policies disproportionately favor the rich and exacerbate poverty among the less privileged. 3. The labor unions advocate for the reversal of the electricity tariff hike, citing the detrimental impact on businesses, households, and the overall economy. In her address to CNBC Africa, Sessi decried the government's actions as unjustifiable and labeled them as a form of wickedness against the poor. She underscored that the policies adopted by the authorities push more people into poverty daily, leading to the closure of businesses and economic instability. The labor leader emphasized the constitutional right of all Nigerians to access essential services like electricity, urging the government to reconsider its stance on the tariff hike and discriminatory practices. The protest action and vocal criticism from the labor unions serve as a wake-up call to the government, highlighting the urgent need for policies that promote inclusivity, fairness, and socioeconomic equality. As the labor movement in Nigeria continues to push for societal change, the response of the authorities will determine the trajectory of the nation's economic landscape and the well-being of its citizens.