NLC Declares War on FG Over Planned Electricity Tariff Hike, Vows Nationwide Protest

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening a massive nationwide protest if the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) proceeds with its plan to hike electricity tariffs for Band B consumers.

This follows a recent statement by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, suggesting that Band B consumers are not paying enough and may soon experience a tariff increase. The announcement has sparked outrage among labour unions and Nigerians, who see the move as a calculated attempt to extort struggling citizens amid worsening economic conditions.

In a communique released on Sunday, the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, stated that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union had vehemently rejected the planned migration of Band B consumers to Band A, labeling it as a crude attempt to impose additional financial burdens on Nigerians.

Ajaero, who spoke following an NEC meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, on February 28, said the union views the policy as an orchestrated move by the ruling class to shift the burden of fiscal irresponsibility onto the suffering masses.

"With soaring inflation, stagnant wages, and an unbearable cost of living, the government continues to exploit struggling Nigerians instead of seeking genuine economic solutions,ÔÇØ Ajaero declared.

He further warned that any attempt to increase electricity tariffs under any guise would be met with stiff resistance, adding that the Congress has resolved to mobilize immediately for a nationwide protest if the Ministry of Power and NERC do not back down from their exploitative plans.

The NLC President also highlighted a history of government betrayal, referencing the agreement reached on February 25 between the NLC and the Federal Government regarding the proposed telecommunications tariff hike. The government initially proposed a 50% increase, but the NLC successfully negotiated it down to 35%.

However, Ajaero emphasized that the Congress remains highly vigilant over the implementation of the agreement, warning that if the March 1, 2025, timeline for execution is not honored, the National Administrative Council (NAC) would immediately deploy all necessary measures to enforce compliance.

He stressed that the union has had enough of empty promises and deceitful economic policies that continuously erode the purchasing power of Nigerian workers and the general public.

The proposed electricity tariff hike has sparked public outrage, with Nigerians lamenting that basic services are becoming luxury items under the current administration.

A Lagos-based resident, Mrs. Mary Okonkwo, expressed her frustration:"This government has failed us! The cost of living is unbearable, yet they keep increasing tariffs. What exactly are we paying for when power supply is still epileptic?ÔÇØ

Another resident, Mr. Ibrahim Musa from Kano, described the move as "economic slavery,ÔÇØ arguing that no nation develops by constantly exploiting its citizens.

Labour unions have vowed to resist the tariff hike through legal and industrial action, warning that if the government proceeds with its anti-people policies, the streets will be occupied with angry Nigerians demanding accountability.

https://youtu.be/NgfuLWVRK0g