The Federal Government has announced plans to convene a critical meeting next week to address the demands by organized labour regarding the restoration of the power subsidy and the reversal of the hike in electricity tariff. This decision comes in the wake of protests by labour unions, which disrupted activities at the Ministry of Power in Abuja on Monday.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Power, Mrs. Florence Eke, confirmed the upcoming meeting, stating that the government is committed to engaging in comprehensive dialogue with all relevant parties. However, organized labour has threatened to continue the protest indefinitely if their demands are not met.
The protests, which paralyzed activities at the Federal Ministry of Power and the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), were triggered by the Federal Government's decision to raise electricity tariffs and remove the subsidy from the power sector. The NERC announced a 240 per cent increase in the electricity tariff for Band A customers, leading to widespread discontent among consumers.
In response to the protests, NERC Chairman Sanusi Garba assured that the commission would revisit the demands made by organized labour. He highlighted efforts to increase current generation capacity and ramp up solar generation to reduce tariffs. However, the unions remain adamant, demanding a total reversal of the electricity tariff hike.
The protests were not limited to Abuja but spread across the country, with labour unions blocking Discos' offices in Lagos, Delta, Ekiti, Osun, Kaduna, and other cities. The unions have vowed to continue their protest until the government reverses the tariff hike, warning of further action if their demands are not met.
