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NLC, TUC, CSOs Reject Electricity Tariff Hike

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and various civil society organizations (CSOs) have jointly expressed their opposition to the proposed 40 percent increase in electricity tariff which is cheduled to come into effect on July 1.

 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strongly criticized the proposed tariff increase, describing it as insensitive and callous.

 

Similarly, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) expressed their discontent, stating that the increase displays a complete lack of empathy towards the hardships faced by the general population.

 

The civil society organizations (CSOs) also voiced their opposition to the tariff hike, labeling it as unfair and lacking justification, urging the government to immediately abandon the proposal.

 

It is worth noting that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had previously justified the tariff increase by stating that the current Service Based Tariff (SBT) was based on an exchange rate of N441/$ and an inflation rate of 16.97 percent.

 

According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the increase in electricity tariff is deemed necessary due to the current exchange rate of the naira to the dollar, which now stands above N700, and an inflation rate of 22.45 percent.

 

The commission argues that the tariff hike is crucial to alleviate the operational costs faced by electricity providers.

 

Leading the opposition against the tariff hike, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed concerns about the potential cumulative impact of various cost increases, such as the anticipated rise in school fees in tertiary institutions and already high fees in privately-owned educational institutions.

 

The NLC emphasized that with additional costs and tariffs on the horizon, life in Nigeria could become exceedingly challenging.

 

In a statement issued by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, the union urged the government to prioritize the collective well-being of the masses and abandon the proposed tariff hike.

 

The statement partly reads “The plan to increase electricity tariff by 40% by July 1 is both insensitive and callous and reflects an organised indifference to the well-being of consumers, especially, the poor masses.

 

“The massive increase is explained away as a response to the over 100 per cent increase in the pump price of premium motor spirit, otherwise known as petrol.

 

“Details reveal a movement in inflation from 16.9% to 22.41 (threatening to needle 30), and a shift in exchange rate from N441 to N750. We believe not even these figures are a justification for this reckless proposed tariff increase.

 

“The issue of capacity to pay and quality of service delivery are not only germane but superior to any rationalisation by market logic.”

 

The NLC contended that there had been increases without notice in violation of statutes, saying “the service providers, in spite of sundry support, have not been able to meet the threshold of 5,000 megawatts.

 

“Coupled with this, there have been surreptitious increases without notice in violation of the statutes.” It added.

Energy

Minister of Power, Adelabu Champions Mini-Grids Amid Northern Power Crisis

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In the wake of a prolonged power crisis impacting Northern Nigeria, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu visited the Zawaciki 1MWp mini-grid project in Kano, underscoring the potential of decentralized renewable energy solutions to alleviate regional power shortages.

The project, operated by Bagaja Renewables, provides daytime electricity to the Gida Dubu community, offering a vital source of power as the region faces widespread blackouts.

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Sadiq Zakari, Managing Director of Bagaja Renewables, welcomed the Minister to the facility and highlighted the critical timing of the visit.

“Bagaja Renewables had the distinct honor of welcoming the Honorable Minister of Power to the Zawaciki 1MWp interconnected mini-grid,” Zakari said.

“This visit comes at a critical time, as Northern Nigeria endures a prolonged blackout, underscoring the urgent need for alternative power solutions.

The Zawaciki mini-grid has been instrumental during this crisis, providing at least 9 hours of daytime electricity to the Gida Dubu community, demonstrating the potential of renewable energy in addressing the region’s energy needs.”

Minister Adelabu praised the Zawaciki project as a model for interconnected mini-grids nationwide, noting its role as a sustainable solution for communities grappling with unreliable power supply.

“The Honorable Minister expressed admiration for the Zawaciki project, recognizing it as a viable proof of concept for interconnected mini-grids across Nigeria,” Zakari stated.

“He emphasized the importance of such initiatives and called on state governors and other key stakeholders to support efforts to decentralize and strengthen the nation’s power infrastructure.

By backing projects like Zawaciki, stakeholders can play an instrumental role in reducing reliance on the national grid and ensuring a more stable power supply for local communities.”

Zakari underscored the transformative potential of private-sector renewable energy projects in Nigeria’s power landscape.

He said, “As we have witnessed here at Zawaciki, private-sector-driven renewable energy solutions can transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. With the right policies and support, we can empower communities and enhance energy resilience, even in times of national power instability.”

In addition to the Zawaciki project, Bagaja Renewables is developing several renewable energy initiatives across Northern Nigeria. Among these are:

Barhim Estate, Katsina: A residential power initiative aimed at expanding energy access for households in the region.

Kura-Karfi Commercial Cluster, Kano: Focused on delivering clean and reliable power to commercial areas, this project aims to support local businesses and stimulate economic growth.

Kafin Hausa, Jigawa: With site fencing completed, Bagaja Renewables is preparing to begin technical design and engineering work for a mini-grid in Kafin Hausa, slated to start construction soon.

Zakari said, “These projects represent Bagaja Renewables’ unwavering commitment to building a resilient, decentralized, and renewable-powered energy future across Northern Nigeria.

“Bagaja Renewables is dedicated to collaborating with the government and stakeholders to scale up renewable energy solutions that will support communities, industries, and essential services.

“We believe that decentralized power generation is the future for Nigeria, and we are eager to contribute to a sustainable, reliable, and inclusive energy system for all.” he added

 

 

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Energy

Power Restored In Four Northern States After 10-Day Blackout

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Power has been restored across Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, and Benue States, bringing relief to residents who endured a 10-day blackout.

The Jos Electricity Distribution Company confirmed that electricity was reinstated around 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting celebrations in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and other affected areas.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Tinubu Appoints Major General Oluyede As Acting Chief of Army Staff

The prolonged outage was caused by the tripping of a major 330kV transmission line between Benue and Enugu states, leaving several northern states without power.

The blackout severely impacted daily life and economic activities, with residents expressing frustration over the disruption to businesses, healthcare services, and personal livelihoods.

In response, President Bola Tinubu took swift action, summoning Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to address the crisis.

Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga disclosed on Monday that President Tinubu directed the Ministry of Power and relevant agencies to expedite restoration efforts.

“President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the reports of vandalism and deliberate destruction of essential power infrastructure,” Onanuga said in a statement.

“The President has tasked TCN engineers with bringing immediate relief to the affected states and implementing a long-term solution to prevent future outages.”

 

 

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Energy

Nigerian Power Supply: FGN Nears PPI Completion

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The Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company (FGN Power Company) has announced significant progress in the pilot phase of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), which is set to revolutionize the nation’s electricity transmission landscape.

The initiative, in partnership with Siemens, aims to enhance the country’s power infrastructure through the deployment of advanced technology and equipment.

READ MORE: ‘Only Savior Created By God For Nigeria’ – Presidency Slams Obasanjo

Kenny Anuwe, the Managing Director and CEO of FGN Power Company, revealed that the installation and commissioning of eight power transformers across key locations are now complete.

The transformers have been successfully deployed in Ajah, Maryland, Apo, Okene, Ihovbor, Amukpe, Potiskum, and Birnin Kebbi, resulting in a notable increase in the transmission wheeling capacity by 569.6 megawatts (MW).

In addition to the transformers, three mobile substations are operational in Ajah, Jebba, and Kawnar Dangora, further boosting the transmission capacity by an additional 151.2 MW.

Anuwe emphasized that these enhancements are pivotal in addressing the energy needs of the country and supporting economic growth.

Looking ahead, Anuwe stated that the transmission network will be augmented by an impressive 720.8 MW, with plans to commission the remaining equipment to deliver at least another 500 MW by the end of 2024.

This strategic initiative is expected to significantly improve power distribution and reliability, marking a transformative step towards a more robust energy sector in Nigeria.

 

 

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