The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) leadership called for the recent rise in electricity rates to be reversed on Sunday.
The union claimed in a statement that it would not think twice to remove members who distribution companies would use to apply the higher tariffs if the increase was not reversed, and the statement was signed by Mr. Adebiyi Adeyeye, the group’s national president.
Recall that on April 3, the Nigerian energy Regulatory Commission increased the cost of energy for consumers who receive 20 hours of power every day.
2023: ‘If I Don’t Increase Electricity Generation In Four Tears, I’ll Quit As President’ – Peter Obi
According to reports, customers in this category fall under the Band A categorization. As a result of the hike, their hourly rate will now be N225 instead of N66.
The President of NUEE responded to the news by stating that the increase in tariffs would disproportionately impact people who depend heavily on electricity for their daily needs. He also stated that this change in pricing dynamics poses a threat to further expose Nigerian inequality by unduly burdening the less fortunate members of the population.
Adeyeye contended that since the leaders of developed nations also provide electricity subsidies to their citizens, there was nothing wrong with government-funded electricity subsidies.
The statement partly read, “It’s not out of place to have the government subsidise electricity. In some advanced countries, they still do that till now. Germany, for example, has a long history of supporting renewable energy resources through feed-in tariffs. The subsidy is paid based on the amount of electricity produced, and it helps to offset the initial cost of installing renewable energy systems.
Blackout Looms As Electricity Employees Mobilise To Join Nationwide Strike
“The recent electricity tariff hike is a blatant disregard for the economic struggles of Nigerian workers. Not even in a society where minimum wages are ambivalently doubtful.NUEE strongly condemns this decision and demands immediate action to reverse it.
“If the government fails to address the crippling cost of electricity, NUEE will not hesitate to take strong action, including the swift withdrawal of our members expected to be used by DISCOs to impose the tariff hike on the good people, to protect the livelihood of our members.
“I, however, call upon all Nigerians to join us in raising our voices against this injustice. Together, we can force the government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens over corporate interests. Our unwavering commitment remains to safeguard the interests of our members and ensure equitable access to electricity for all Nigeria.”
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.