By Opeyemi Mohammed
Members of organised labour, on Monday, picketed of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and Distribution Companies (DisCos) in Lagos.
TheNewsZenith reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and TUC organised the picketing simultaneously across the country.
During the picketing in Lagos, the workers chanted solidarity songs and carried placards with various inscriptions such as, “Nigerian workers reject electricity tariff increases” among others.
Mr Gbenga Ekundayo, Lagos State Chairman of TUC criticised the timing of the electricity tariff increase, because of the prevailing economic situation in the country.
Ekundayo said the increase in electricity tariffs will add to the financial burden of households. It will also spell trouble for businesses, particularly in the manufacturing sector.
“With production costs soaring, companies have no choice but to pass on these expenses to consumers. Else, they will face the grim reality of shutting down operations.
“Consequently, this vicious cycle of inflation and unemployment threatens to plunge the economy into further turmoil,” the TUC leader said.
According to him, there is a need for urgent action to alleviate the burden on citizens and businesses and steer the economy toward a path of sustainable growth and prosperity.
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Ekundayo said the government should reconsider its decision to hike electricity tariffs, taking into account the already precarious economic situation.
“Additionally, the government should stabilise the exchange rate to mitigate the adverse effects of currency fluctuations on the cost of living.
“They should also diversify the energy mix by ensuring that state governments invest in alternative sources.
“This will help reduce reliance on the gained national grid and ultimately lower electricity costs in the long run,” he said.
TUC chairman called for policies that could stimulate economic growth and job creation.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of NLC, Mrs Funmi Sessi, said the picketing is for the generality of citizenry, not just for workers.
“Injury to one is an injury to all. This is an injury to all Nigerians,” Sessi noted.
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