RADIO NIGERIA
The leadership of the organised labour has expressed disappointment by the recent 50% hike in electricity tariff as announced by Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission.
In separate statements issued in Abuja, the President, NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Quadri Olayele condemn the increase in strong term, describing it as another betrayal of confidence by the Federal Government.
According to the statements, the members representing the organised labour in the committee set up during the negotiations on the twin issues of hike in the pump price of petrol and electricty tariff three months ago have no knowledge of reasons for this outrageous hike.
The statements expresse fear on the negative impacts of the increase on Nigerians, especially the manufacturing sector, pointing out that many more local companies may close down leading to another round of job losses and increase in the prices of made in Nigeria good.
The statements warn that the understanding shown by organised labour so far has been misconstrued and urge the Federal Government to revert to the old price or be ready to accept the outcome of this betrayal.
Meanwhile, the fedral government has insisted that it did not increase electricity tariff.
The minister of state for Labour and employment, Festus Keyamo while speaking on a media programme explained that the federal government only adjusted some bands for consumers to pay what they are supposed to pay.
He said the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) did not consult him or other members of the committee working on the new electricity tariffs regime, before the announcement.