The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has opposed the Federal Government’s plan to adjust electricity tariffs for Bands A, B, and C consumers.
In a communique issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, the union warned of mass protests if the plan proceeds. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently announced that lower bands would be upgraded to Band A.
Signed by NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the communique denounced the “forceful migration” of consumers.
“On the Migration of Electricity Consumers with a view to increasing tariff: NEC unequivocally rejects the ongoing sham reclassification of electricity consumers by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (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.
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“This systematic exploitation, sanctioned by the Ministry of Power, is nothing short of economic violence against the working class and broader Nigerian populace.
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.
NEC-in-session warns that any attempt to announce further electricity tariff increases will 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 NLC shall not stand idly by while the Nigerian people are subjected to the unholy machinations of capitalist profiteers and their state collaborators.”
Nigeria has long struggled with unreliable power supply despite electricity sector privatisation. In 2024, NERC increased electricity prices, setting Band A rates at approximately N250 per unit. Rising fuel costs have further strained consumers, while state electricity commissions have received licenses to manage power plants and distribution.
