NO GOING BACK ON PUMP PRICE HIKE, AS NLC, TUC SUSPEND STRIKE

- Odunayo Ogunmodede

A communique issued at the end of a meeting that lasted till about 2:45am this morning between the Federal Government and leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, has reflected that the strike action scheduled for Monday September 28 has been suspended.

After hours of deliberations and arguments between the two parties, the Federal Government proved the need to increase the pump price and also informed that palliatives have been discussed in the workers' interest to relieve them of the possible effects the situation might cause.

On the issue of Electricity Tarrif adjustment, the parties agreed to set up a Technical Committee comprising Ministries, Departments, Agencies, NLC and TUC, which will work for a duration of two (2) weeks effective Monday 28th September 2020, to examine:

the justifications for the new policy in view of the need for the validation of the basis for the new cost reflective tariff as a result of the conflicting information from the fields which appeared different from the data presented to justify the new policy by NERC;

metering deployment, challenges, timeline for massive roll – out.

The Technical Committee membership is as follows:

Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN – Hon. Minister of State Labour & Employment - Chairman

Mr Godwin Jedy-Agba – Hon. Minister of State Power – Member

Prof. James Momoh - Chairman National Electricity Regulatory Commission – Member

Engr. Ahmad Rufai Zakari - SA to Mr. President on Infrastructure – Member/Secretary

Dr. Onoho’Omhen Ebhohimhen – Member (NLC)

Comrade Joe Ajaero – Member (NLC)

Comrade Chris Okonkwo – Member (TUC)

1no. Representative of DISCOS - Member

 The Committee is to work for two weeks and come up with

The Terms of Reference (ToR) are as follows:

To examine the justification for the new policy on cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments.

To look at the different Electricity Distribution Company (DISCOs) and their different electricity tariff vis-à-vis NERC order and mandate.

Examine and advise Government on the issues that have hindered the deployment of the six million meters.

To look into the NERC Act under review with a view to expanding its representation to include organized labour.

The Technical sub - committee is to submit its report within two (2) weeks. During the two weeks, the DISCOs shall suspend the application of the cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments.

The meeting also resolved that the following issues of concern to Labour should be treated as “stand – alone” items:

The 40% stake of Government in the DISCO and the stake of workers to be reflected in the composition of the DISCO’s Boards.