The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has strongly criticized the planned increase in electricity tariffs, accusing the Minister of Power and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) of prioritizing higher tariffs over improving power supply.
In a petition addressed to the Minister, NUEE, through its Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, expressed concerns about the proposed tariff hike and its impact on ordinary Nigerians.
“The Minister’s assertion that a tariff increase is necessary to boost liquidity in the power sector has sparked controversy, especially considering the existing challenges in the sector,” the union stated.
NUEE emphasized that as a key stakeholder in the power industry, it could not remain silent while decisions that would negatively affect millions of Nigerians were being made. The union also questioned NERC’s justification that the 2024 tariff increase would only affect Band A consumers, who make up 15% of electricity users but consume 40% of the nation’s power.
Nigerians Will Bear the Burden
The union challenged the claim that the tariff hike would not affect the general public, arguing that the costs would ultimately be passed on to ordinary citizens.
“Who are the Band A consumers? What do they do? Who are their customers?” NUEE asked. “The general public is the one that will be most affected by this. They are the customers and end-users of Band A products and services. The additional costs will be transferred to the common man, so they are indirectly being exploited, notwithstanding their dwindling purchasing power and increasing impoverishment.”
Rather than focusing on increasing tariffs, NUEE believes the government should first address the inefficiencies in the power sector.
“Shouldn’t the Minister prioritize improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the power sector instead of a tariff review?” the union asked.
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Privatization Has Failed, Workers Say
The electricity workers’ union also criticized the government’s handling of the power sector since its privatization over 12 years ago. According to them, the government has failed to review the privatization process despite the sector’s persistent problems.
“The power sector has been privatized for over 12 years, yet Nigerians still face unreliable electricity. The government has not deemed it necessary to review this failed privatization. Why should consumers be forced to pay more for darkness?” NUEE questioned.
The union further highlighted the sector’s financial struggles, including a reported N1.6 trillion shortfall in wholesale tariffs, but insisted that the burden should not be shifted to consumers.
“It is appalling that the Minister appears more interested in increasing the poverty level rather than alleviating the suffering of the masses,” the statement read.
Call for a Better Power System
NUEE urged the Minister of Power to reconsider his approach and focus on long-term solutions that would benefit all Nigerians.
“Nigerians deserve a reliable, efficient, and affordable electricity supply system that supports economic growth, improves quality of life, and enhances overall well-being,” the union stated.
Instead of hiking tariffs, the union called for measures to increase power generation, improve transmission infrastructure, and ensure affordable electricity for consumers. It stressed that the government must prioritize policies that promote stable electricity supply rather than imposing higher costs on citizens who already struggle with economic hardship.