Abuja — The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, have condemned plan by the Federal Government to increase electricity tariff from N8.50 to N10 per kilowatt starting from July 1.

The leadership of the two congresses urged the government to have a rethink about the increase.

NLC acting Secretary General, Mr Owei Lakemfa, described the increase as “unfortunate,” adding that the government should work towards improving the welfare of the people.

“Electricity is the basis of development, a country without access to it cannot attain development,” he said and observed that electricity is usually available, accessible and affordable in developed countries.

TUC President, Mr Peter Esele, also said the plan to increase electricity tariff was uncalled for. “What is the goal of government in increasing electricity tariff, what do they need to achieve by increasing it.

“Must government increase the tariff to attract investors; I don’t think so, what they need to do is to invest heavily in the power sector,” he said.

He said that if at all the PHCN must increase tariff, it must first of all improve its services to the consumers.

“ How do you encourage people to pay their bills when even at N8.50 per kilowatt they cannot boast of having regular electricity.

Announcing the upward review of tariff on Thursday, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said the increase was meant to make the power sector more attractive to investors.

NERC chairman Samuel Amadi added that the increase became imperative because investors had been complaining of low tariff in the country.