NLC Threatens Nationwide Protest Against Proposed Electricity Tariff Hike
Nigeria Labour Congress Threatens Nationwide Protest Over Proposed Electricity Tariff Hike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to mobilize workers and citizens for mass protests if the Federal Government moves forward with its proposed electricity tariff hike, calling it “economic violence against the working class and broader Nigerian populace.”
The warning follows a statement from the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), which condemned the tariff increase, arguing that Nigerians should not be paying for unreliable electricity supply.
Labour Unions Reject Tariff Reclassification
In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, on February 28, the NLC rejected the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) recent reclassification of electricity consumers. The union accused the Ministry of Power and NERC of misleading the public by forcing consumers into higher tariff bands under the guise of service improvements.
“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 warned that “any attempt to impose additional electricity tariffs would be met with mass resistance” and directed its National Administrative Council to begin mobilizing for protests, cautioning the government against testing the patience of Nigerians.
Concerns Over Telecom Tariff Increase
Beyond electricity, the NLC also raised concerns over the recent 35% increase in telecommunications tariffs. While the union acknowledged negotiating a reduction from an initially proposed 50% hike, it remains skeptical of the government’s commitment to honoring the agreement.
The congress warned that if the telecom tariff increase, set to take effect on March 1, is implemented contrary to the agreed terms, it would take necessary measures to enforce compliance.
Power Sector Workers Join Resistance
Workers in the electricity sector have also rejected the proposed changes, describing them as an “exploitative agenda” that would force Nigerians to pay more without tangible improvements in service delivery.
The electricity workers’ union vowed to resist any tariff hike and warned of potential disruptions in the sector if the government proceeds with its plans.
With growing opposition from labor unions and electricity workers, tensions continue to rise over the government’s economic policies, setting the stage for possible nationwide protests in the coming weeks.
