Femi Falana, a human rights advocate, has voiced his approval of the protest at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission headquarters and the offices of Electricity Distribution Companies nationwide, in response to the increase in electricity tariffs.
Falana expressed his support during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, highlighting that the proposed action is justified and is legally permitted under Nigeria’s Labour Act.
The organized labor, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, recently issued a May 12 ultimatum to NERC to revert the electricity tariff hike to N65/kWh, warning of nationwide picketing of commission and DISCO offices if their demands are not met.
In a cautionary letter co-signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC counterpart Festus Osifo, the labor unions instructed their state branches and affiliates to prepare for picketing if the Federal Government and NERC ignore their warning.
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Falana criticized NERC for not adhering to due process and failing to consult stakeholders before implementing such an unpopular decision.
He said “There is provision for picketing under the Labour Act in Nigeria and that is what the Labour centres will begin tomorrow. They are going to picket the headquarters of NERC and offices of the DISCOs to register their protest against the illegal increase in electricity tariff.
“This is because the Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission did not follow due process and didn’t conduct a public hearing as required by the Electricity Act 2023. I hope the NERC will engage and discuss with the Labour movement and see what can be done to reverse the hike.
“Again, the increase was anchored on the assumption that there will be regular electricity supply for at least 20 hours. But that has not been the case. If DISCO cannot meet the electricity supply, people have no right to pay the increased tariff,” Falana added.
He also expressed concern that it would be unfair and insensitive of any government to supply darkness and expect its citizens to pay for electricity tariffs.
