The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s plan to revise electricity tariffs for customers under Bands A, B, and C, warning of mass protests if the policy is implemented.
Following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, the labour union issued a communique, signed by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, rejecting what it called the “forced migration” of electricity consumers from lower bands to Band A under the pretext of service improvement.
Describing the move as an act of “economic violence” against Nigerians, the NLC accused the government of prioritising corporate interests over the well-being of citizens. It warned that further increases in electricity tariffs would be met with stiff resistance.
“The NLC will not sit idly while Nigerians are subjected to relentless exploitation through arbitrary tariff hikes,” the statement read, adding that mobilisation for nationwide protests would commence immediately if the government proceeds with the plan.
Nigeria has long struggled with an unstable power supply despite efforts to reform the sector.
In 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved an increase in electricity rates, with Band A consumers now paying around N250 per unit.
Meanwhile, the rising costs of petrol and diesel, commonly used as alternative energy sources, have further worsened the burden on households and businesses.
