NLC threatens mass protests over proposed electricity tariff hike, telecom tariff increase

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, vowing to mobilize mass protests if the proposed electricity tariff hike goes ahead.

In a communique released at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, on Sunday, the union described the planned increase as an act of “economic violence” against Nigerian workers and the general populace.

The NLC, alongside the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), strongly opposed the move, accusing the government of forcing citizens to “pay for darkness” despite the persistent lack of reliable power supply.

The unions condemned what they termed a “sham reclassification” of electricity consumers by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), warning that it was a disguised attempt to push more Nigerians into higher tariff bands under the pretext of service improvement.

Nationwide Resistance Looms

According to the NLC, the ruling elite, “acting as enforcers of global monopoly capital,” are determined to worsen the economic misery of Nigerians through relentless tariff hikes and increased taxation. The union emphasized that any attempt to impose additional electricity tariffs would be met with strong resistance.

“The ruling elite are determined to further deepen the misery of the Nigerian people through incessant tariff hikes, increased taxation, and relentless economic strangulation,” the statement read.

As a result, the NLC directed its National Administrative Council to begin immediate mobilization for nationwide protests, warning the government not to underestimate the resolve of the Nigerian people.

Telecom Tariff Hike Also Under Fire

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Electricity tariffs are not the only issue fueling tensions. The NLC also expressed outrage over the recent 35% increase in telecommunications tariffs. While the union acknowledged that negotiations with the government had led to a reduction from the initially proposed 50% hike, it remained skeptical about whether authorities would adhere to the agreed terms.

The NLC warned that if the new telecom tariffs, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, are implemented in a manner that contradicts prior agreements, decisive action would follow.

“The Nigerian worker should not bear the brunt of corporate and government inefficiencies,” the NLC stated firmly.

Electricity Workers Reject Consumer Reclassification

Support for the NLC’s stance is strong among electricity workers. The NUEE has also rejected the reclassification of electricity consumers, calling it an exploitative agenda designed to extract more money from Nigerians without delivering meaningful improvements in service quality.

In a statement issued by its acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the NUEE criticized the government’s approach, arguing that the fundamental issue is not tariffs but the persistent failure of the power sector to provide reliable electricity.

“We asked some salient questions: Who are the Band A consumers? Who bears the brunt of the electricity hike? The general public will be most affected. They are the customers and end-users, and the additional costs will ultimately be passed down to them, worsening their already dire economic situation,” the union stated.

Rather than focusing on tariff increases, the NUEE urged the government to prioritize fixing Nigeria’s failing power infrastructure and addressing inefficiencies that have plagued the sector for years.

Calls for Urgent Government Action

With the growing discontent among Nigerian workers and citizens, the Federal Government now faces mounting pressure to reconsider its tariff policies. The NLC and NUEE have made it clear that they will not stand by while the cost of living continues to rise unchecked.

As the deadline for the telecom tariff hike approaches and the threat of electricity price increases looms, all eyes are on the government’s next move—and whether it will heed the warnings or face nationwide unrest.