The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has opposed the alleged plan to increase electricity tariffs by 40 percent on July 1.
Congress described the move as insensitive and heartless, saying it reflected an organized indifference to the welfare of consumers, especially the poor.
The NLC said this in a statement by Comrade Joe Ajaero on Thursday in Abuja.
The statement reads: “The plan to increase electricity tariffs by forty per cent by July 1 is reckless and reflects systematic indifference to the welfare of consumers, especially the poor.
“The massive increase is explained as a response to the over one hundred per cent rise in the pump price of premium motor alcohol (pms).
“Details show inflation rising from 16.9% to 22.41 (threatening 30 pins) and exchange rate shifting from N441 to N750.
“We do not believe that even these figures justify this reckless proposed tariff increase.
“The issue of solvency and quality of service delivery is not only logical, but outweighs any rationalization by market logic.
“Despite all kinds of support from service providers, the five thousand MW threshold has not been reached.
“Coupled with this, there have been secret increases without notice in violation of the laws.
“The risk inherent in the new tariff regime is that there is no control, which means that by August, consumers will be paying the new rates.
“The other risk is that by the time other entities providing products or services come out with their new prices or tariffs, the common man will be crushed.
“We would like to advise market apostles who call the National Library by various names to check their consciences.
“The pace they’re going is very combative and combustible.
With the contemplation of paying school fees at tertiary institutions and increases in privately owned ones, plus other costs/fees along the way, life in Nigeria could be truly Hobbesian.
“The market economies that Market Fundamentalists seek to emulate have socio-economic safeguards that we do not have.
“For this reason, our advice is that this proposed tax increase should be shelved for our mutual safety.”
Within Nigeria
