The federal government has revealed its next move following the National Labour Congress (NLC) protest against the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
On Monday, the NLC disrupted operations across the power sector, demanding a reversal of the tariff increase. Protesters picketed the offices of all eleven Electricity Distribution Companies and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
In Abuja, the protest was led by NLC president Joe Ajaero, who took demonstrators to the Ministry of Power and NERC headquarters. The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company was forced to shut down as workers were blocked from resuming duties. Similar actions took place at electricity offices in Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Plateau, Enugu, Sokoto, and other regions.
In response, the Nigerian Government announced its willingness to negotiate with organized labor. Florence Eke, spokesperson for the Ministry of Power, stated that Permanent Secretary Mamman Mahmuda has scheduled a consultative meeting for next week with labor representatives and other stakeholders to address the issue.
“The permanent secretary assured us that the Ministry is committed to finding a resolution. The Ministry’s role is to formulate policy, while NERC and other agencies handle implementation. A proper consultation will be held next week,” Eke said.