NLC Threatens Nationwide Protest Over Planned Electricity Tariff Hike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly opposed plans by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to increase electricity tariffs or migrate customers from lower bands to Band A.
This follows the federal government’s approval of a tariff increase for Band A customers on April 3, 2024, while other bands remained unchanged. However, Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, stated on Thursday that consumers under Band B are not paying enough and may soon face higher charges.
In a communique released on Sunday, NLC President Joe Ajaero revealed that the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) rejected the proposed migration during a meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, on February 28. Ajaero condemned the move, describing it as economic exploitation that would worsen hardship for Nigerians.
“Whereas inflation has soared, wages remain stagnant, and the cost of living has become unbearable, the ruling class continues to transfer the burden of their fiscal irresponsibility onto the already impoverished working masses,” Ajaero said.
The NLC warned that any further increase in electricity tariffs would be met with mass resistance and resolved to mobilize for a nationwide protest if the Ministry of Power and NERC proceeded with the planned hike.
Additionally, Ajaero acknowledged the agreement between the NLC and the federal government on February 25, which led to a reduction of the proposed telecommunications tariff hike from 50% to 35%. However, he emphasized that if the agreement is not implemented by March 1, 2025, the National Administrative Council (NAC) will take action to enforce compliance.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had earlier approved a 50% increase in telecom tariffs on January 20, prompting concerns about the rising costs of essential services.