Badamasi Bello, Jadetimes Staff
B. Bello is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Nigerian News
Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vehemently rejected the Federal Government’s plan to regularise electricity tariffs for customers in Bands A, B, and C, describing it as “economic violence against the working class.” The labour union, in a communique issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, on Sunday, vowed to lead mass nationwide protests if the government proceeds with the proposed tariff adjustments.
The NLC’s stance comes in response to recent statements by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who announced plans to upgrade lower-band customers to Band A, a move that would result in higher electricity tariffs for millions of Nigerians. The union has accused the government and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) of exploiting citizens under the guise of service improvement.
NLC’s Strong Opposition
In the communique signed by NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union condemned the “forceful migration” of consumers from lower bands to Band A, arguing that it imposes unjustified financial burdens on already struggling Nigerians. “NEC unequivocally rejects the ongoing sham reclassification of electricity consumers by NERC, which seeks to forcefully migrate consumers from lower bands to Band A under the guise of service improvement while, in reality, imposing unjustified extortion on the masses,” the communique stated.
The NLC described the move as “systematic exploitation” sanctioned by the Ministry of Power, warning that it would deepen the economic misery of Nigerians. “This is nothing short of economic violence against the working class and broader Nigerian populace,” the union declared.
Broader Economic Concerns
The NLC also highlighted the broader economic challenges facing Nigerians, including soaring inflation, stagnant wages, and an unbearable cost of living. The union accused the ruling class of transferring the burden of fiscal irresponsibility onto the working masses through incessant tariff hikes, increased taxation, and other economic policies.
“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,” the communique read.
Threat of Nationwide Protests
The NLC warned that any attempt to announce further electricity tariff increases would be met with mass resistance. “Consequently, the Congress resolves to immediately mobilise for a nationwide protest should the Ministry of Power and NERC proceed with their exploitative plan to further hike electricity tariffs under any guise,” the union stated.
The NLC vowed not to stand idly by while Nigerians are subjected to what it described as the “unholy machinations of capitalist profiteers and their state collaborators.”
Nigeria’s Persistent Energy Challenges
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has long grappled with intractable energy challenges, including epileptic power supply, which significantly affects productivity levels. Despite the privatisation of the electricity sector in 2013, power generation, transmission, and distribution remain plagued by policy inconsistencies, low investments, and operational inefficiencies.
In 2024, NERC approved an upward review of electricity prices, with Band A customers paying about N250 per unit of power. This increase, coupled with the rising cost of petrol and diesel—readily available alternatives—has compounded the financial burden on consumers. The cost of petrol and diesel has increased fivefold, further straining households and businesses.
State-Level Power Initiatives
In the same year, NERC granted licenses to some state electricity regulatory commissions to operate power plants and distribution networks. While these initiatives aim to decentralise power generation and distribution, they have yet to significantly alleviate the energy crisis.
Implications of the NLC’s Stand
The NLC’s rejection of the tariff regularisation plan and its threat of nationwide protests underscore the growing frustration among Nigerians over the rising cost of living and inadequate public services. The union’s stance also highlights the tension between the government’s economic policies and the welfare of citizens.
As the Federal Government and NERC consider their next steps, the NLC’s mobilisation efforts could galvanise widespread public opposition to the proposed tariff adjustments. The outcome of this standoff will have significant implications for Nigeria’s energy sector and its broader economic landscape.
What’s Next?
The NLC has called on the government to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians and abandon plans to increase electricity tariffs. The union’s threat of nationwide protests signals a potential escalation in the ongoing struggle between labour and the government over economic policies.
For now, Nigerians await the government’s response, hoping for a resolution that addresses the energy crisis without further burdening citizens. The NLC’s resolve to resist exploitative policies reflects the growing demand for accountability and equitable economic reforms in Nigeria.
Comments