The President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo, has criticized the high electricity tariffs paid by Nigerians, calling it unethical. The TUC has also urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to reverse the recent electricity tariff increase within a week.
During the 2024 Workers’ Day in Abuja, Osifo expressed his dissatisfaction with the inconsistent power supply in the country, which has had a negative impact on economic growth. He further stated that any nation that cannot manage its energy resources effectively is destined for ruin.
Osifo attributed the power sector's challenges to the incompetence of those responsible for managing it for over a decade since its privatization. He argued that it is unethical to force Nigerians to pay higher tariffs for non-existent electricity, and that estimated billing is extortion and daylight robbery.
It is worth noting that NERC approved an increase in electricity tariff for Band A customers who enjoy 20 hours of electricity supply daily. The Vice Chairman of NERC, Musliu Oseni, confirmed that the increase would result in customers paying N225 per kilowatt-hour, up from the current N66.
