The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has expressed concerns about the safety of its members following the recent increase in electricity tariffs in Nigeria.
According to Dominic Igwebike, the Acting General Secretary of NUEE, the union cannot guarantee the safety of its members who work for electricity distribution companies, especially during disconnections due to non-payment of bills.
The union criticized the recent hike in electricity tariff, which saw rates rise from N68/kWh to N225/kWh, stating that it is unreasonable in a country where the majority of the population is struggling with basic survival and where only about 55% of the populace has access to electricity.
Igwebike faulted the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s assertion that the tariff hike primarily affects Band A consumers, who make up only 15% of electricity consumers but utilize 40% of the nation’s electricity consumption. He argued that the burden of the hike ultimately falls on the general public, leading to increased costs for consumers and exacerbating their economic challenges.
The union representative criticized the lack of consultation with stakeholders in the sector before implementing the tariff increase, highlighting the absence of clarity on the energy policy of the current administration.
Igwebike emphasized the need for service-reflective tariffs that prioritize consumers’ interests and questioned the government’s commitment to supporting the real sector and fostering economic growth.
In summary, NUEE’s concerns underscore the broader implications of the electricity tariff hike on both consumers and industry stakeholders, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing the challenges in the energy sector.