• Labour union accuses FG of "systematic exploitation" of Nigerians
• NLC vows mass action against "economic violence" on Nigerians
• Nigeria’s power sector remains plagued by inefficiency despite privatisation
Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vehemently rejected the Federal Government’s plan to adjust electricity tariffs for customers in Bands A, B, and C, describing the move as “economic violence” against Nigerians.
In a strongly-worded communique issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, on Sunday, the NLC threatened to lead nationwide protests if the government proceeds with the tariff hike. The labour union accused the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Ministry of Power of exploiting Nigerians under the guise of service improvement, warning that further increases would be met with mass resistance.
The controversy stems from last Thursday’s announcement by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, that customers in lower bands would be upgraded to Band A, a move that would significantly increase their electricity costs. Band A customers currently pay about N250 per unit of electricity, a tariff approved by NERC in 2024. The NLC, however, condemned the reclassification as a “sham” designed to impose “unjustified extortion” on Nigerians.
In its communique signed by General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, the NLC accused the government of deepening the economic misery of Nigerians through incessant tariff hikes, increased taxation, and fiscal irresponsibility. The union noted that while inflation has soared and wages remain stagnant, the ruling elite continues to transfer the burden of poor governance onto the working class.
Nigeria’s power sector has long been plagued by inefficiency, with frequent blackouts and poor service delivery despite the privatisation of the sector. Power generation, transmission, and distribution remain hampered by policy inconsistencies, low investments, and operational challenges. The recent tariff hike, which affects approximately 1.5 million customers, has further exacerbated the plight of consumers already grappling with skyrocketing costs of petrol and diesel, which have increased fivefold in recent years.
“The 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 NLC declared.
The union further condemned the move as “economic violence against the working class and broader Nigerian populace.”
“It is evident that the ruling elite, acting as enforcers of global monopoly capital, are determined to further deepen the misery of the Nigerian people through incessant tariff hikes, increased taxation, and relentless economic strangulation. 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 NLC’s threat of nationwide protests underscores the growing tension between the government and labour unions over economic policies that disproportionately affect ordinary Nigerians. With inflation at record highs and living costs becoming unbearable, the proposed tariff hike could ignite widespread unrest, further destabilising an already fragile economy.
As the standoff between the NLC and the Federal Government intensifies, all eyes are on the Ministry of Power and NERC to see if they will backtrack on the tariff adjustment or face the wrath of an increasingly frustrated populace.
