The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, threatening a nationwide protest if it proceeds with the proposed electricity tariff hike, calling it "economic violence against the working class and Nigerian populace."
The warning follows a communique released after the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, held on February 28, 2025, and made public on Sunday.
Rejection of "Sham Reclassification" of Electricity Consumers
The NLC accused the Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) of attempting to deceive Nigerians by reclassifying electricity consumers under the guise of service improvement, while in reality, the move was a ploy to force consumers into higher tariff bands.
“The ruling elite, acting as enforcers of global monopoly capital, are determined to further deepen the misery of the Nigerian people through incessant tariff hikes, increased taxation, and relentless economic strangulation,” the NLC stated.
The NEC resolved that any attempt to impose additional electricity tariffs would be met with mass resistance and directed its National Administrative Council to immediately mobilize for nationwide protests.
Electricity Workers Condemn Tariff Hike, Threaten Sector Disruptions
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has also rejected the proposed tariff review, warning that Nigerians "should not be paying for darkness."
The electricity workers' union criticized the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, over his statement that a tariff increase was necessary to attract investment and boost liquidity in the power sector.
“The justification given by NERC for the electricity hike was that it applied only to Band A consumers, who make up 15% of electricity users. However, the additional costs will eventually be transferred to the common man,” NUEE General Secretary Dominic Igwebike said.
Concerns Over Rising Cost of Living
The NLC also voiced concerns over the recent 35% hike in telecommunications tariffs, warning that if the new tariffs, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, are implemented against agreed terms, the union "will enforce compliance using all necessary instruments."
The Organised Private Sector (OPS) has also rejected the tariff hike, questioning why the government continues to increase the cost of essential commodities across various sectors without addressing underlying economic issues.
What’s Next?
With mounting opposition from labour unions, power sector workers, and consumers, the government faces growing pressure to reconsider the electricity tariff increase.
As the NLC mobilizes for potential mass protests, the Federal Government must navigate the tension carefully to avoid further economic and political unrest.
