The Federal Government has maintained its decision to increase electricity tariff for category ‘A’ consumers by 240 percent, despite growing calls for a reversal.
According to the announcement on Friday, the government also plans to gradually remove electricity subsidies. Officials stated that this move aims to ensure consumers receive improved electricity supply and billing within three years.
NLC Condemns the Tariff Increase
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly rejected the government’s decision. The union warned that the Electricity Tariff hike is unacceptable and described it as a “crime against the people.”
NLC’s National Information Director, Benson Upah, expressed dissatisfaction in an interview with Saturday PUNCH. He said the government’s insistence on implementing the increase shows a lack of concern for the suffering of Nigerians.
“We have said before that this increase is unreasonable and unpopular,” Upah stated. “If the government chooses to continue with this action, it must be ready to face the consequences.”
Economic Reactions and Global Influence
Many observers believe the decision may have been influenced by recommendations from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Both institutions have urged Nigeria to remove subsidies and adopt cost-reflective tariffs to stabilize the power sector.
However, critics argue that implementing such drastic increases during economic hardship could worsen inflation and push more Nigerians into poverty.
Public Response and Next Steps
Public reactions remain tense, with citizens expressing frustration over the government’s handling of electricity pricing. Labour unions have warned that if the tariff hike is not reviewed, they will mobilize nationwide protests in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the government insists the policy is necessary to improve power generation, attract investors, and ensure reliable electricity supply across the country.
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