NLC Threatens Fresh Protest Against Power Tariff Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over its plans to hike electricity tariffs, threatening nationwide protests if the decision is implemented. The Nigerian Labour Congress also expressed concerns over the recent increase in telecommunications tariffs, describing both policies as exploitative and detrimental to Nigerian workers.

Opposition to Electricity Tariff Reclassification

The NLC has vehemently rejected the ongoing reclassification of electricity consumers by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which aims to move consumers into higher tariff bands under the pretense of service improvement. According to the union, this move is a ploy to impose higher electricity costs on Nigerians without any corresponding enhancement in power supply.

In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, the NLC labeled the tariff adjustment as “economic violence against the working class and broader Nigerian populace.” The union insisted that the Federal Government was prioritizing revenue generation at the expense of struggling citizens, many of whom already face economic hardship due to inflation, unemployment, and other financial pressures.

Nigerian Labour Congress Rejects Telecommunications Tariff Increase

Beyond electricity tariffs, the NLC also condemned the Federal Government’s approval of a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, which later resulted in an agreement to reduce the hike to 35%. The union described the decision as “insensitive” and warned that any attempt to enforce the new tariffs from March 1, 2025, would be met with strong resistance.

The NLC further accused telecommunications companies of betraying public trust by prioritizing profits over consumer welfare. The union announced plans for a series of protests, boycotts of telecom services, and legal actions if the government does not roll back the tariff hikes. It emphasized that Nigerian workers and businesses should not bear the financial burden of inefficiencies within the power and telecommunications sectors.

Electricity Workers Union Backs NLC’s Position

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), a key stakeholder in the power sector, has thrown its weight behind the NLC’s opposition to electricity tariff hikes. The union argued that the government should focus on improving power generation and distribution rather than burdening consumers with additional costs.

In a statement issued by its acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the NUEE warned that increasing electricity tariffs without addressing inefficiencies in the sector would only deepen poverty. The union also accused the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, of overstepping his bounds by pushing for tariff hikes instead of focusing on solutions to the sector’s financial crisis.

Government and Regulatory Justifications

Defending the decision, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and NERC argued that tariff adjustments were necessary to maintain the sustainability of the power and telecom sectors. The NCC claimed that without the hike, telecommunications companies might struggle to provide quality services, while NERC maintained that the new electricity pricing system was designed to reflect service improvements.

However, these explanations have failed to convince the NLC and other stakeholders, who see the moves as exploitative. Critics argue that despite previous tariff increases, electricity supply remains unstable, and network services have not significantly improved. Many Nigerians fear that the latest adjustments will only worsen their financial situation without delivering the promised benefits.

NLC Call to Action and Potential Nationwide Protests

As tensions escalate, the NLC has directed all its affiliates, industrial unions, and allied organizations to prepare for mass action. The labor union warned that it would not hesitate to mobilize workers and citizens for nationwide protests if the government fails to reconsider its stance on tariff hikes.

The coming weeks are expected to be crucial, as both the government and labor unions brace for a potential showdown. With Nigerian workers and businesses already grappling with economic hardships, the NLC’s threat of protests signals mounting discontent over government policies perceived as unfavorable to the masses.