The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has once again rejected the Federal Government’s plan to increase electricity tariffs and forcefully migrate consumers from lower bands to Band A.
However, the question remains—will the NLC follow through with meaningful action, or will this be another empty threat like the response to the proposed telecommunication tariff hike?
In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, the NLC condemned the reclassification of electricity consumers by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), describing it as an attempt to impose “unjustified extortion” on Nigerians.
The union vowed to mobilize for mass protests if the government proceeds with the planned increase.
While the NLC’s strong stance is laudable, many Nigerians are skeptical about its ability to effect real change. In the past, the labour union has made bold declarations yet failed to take decisive action when it mattered most.
The telecommunications sector serves as a clear example—despite threats of resistance, service providers implemented tariff hikes without significant opposition from the labour movement.
The Rising Cost of Electricity
The electricity tariff hike comes at a time when inflation is soaring, wages remain stagnant, and the cost of living has become unbearable for most Nigerians.
Many households and businesses are struggling to cope with the increasing financial burden, while alternative power sources such as petrol and diesel have also seen dramatic price increases.
The irony is that despite the higher costs, the quality of power supply remains poor, with frequent outages and unreliable distribution.
According to NERC’s 2024 tariff review, customers in Band A—who should receive at least 20 hours of electricity per day—will now pay around N250 per kilowatt-hour, a sharp increase from previous rates.
The government has justified this move by arguing that consumers in this category receive a more stable supply.
However, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. Many Band A consumers still experience irregular power, making the tariff increase seem more like a revenue-generation strategy than a genuine improvement in service delivery.
Government’s Justification and Public Reaction
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently defended the reclassification policy, stating that it would allow for better service provision and attract more investment into the power sector.
Yet, this rationale has done little to placate public frustration. Citizens and businesses alike argue that they should not be forced to pay higher tariffs for services that remain largely unreliable.
Public reactions to the policy have been overwhelmingly negative. Many Nigerians see the move as yet another example of economic hardship being transferred onto the masses. The lingering question is whether the NLC can translate public discontent into tangible action.
Time for the NLC to Take Real Action
Despite the privatization of Nigeria’s power sector, energy supply remains erratic, with consumers paying more for less. Many argue that the NLC should take a more proactive approach, ensuring that any tariff adjustments are accompanied by substantial improvements in service delivery.
Instead of mere rhetoric, the union must implement a clear, strategic plan that includes nationwide strikes, legal actions, and engagement with legislative bodies.
If the government proceeds with the electricity tariff hike, the NLC must go beyond verbal opposition and execute its proposed nationwide protest with full force. Nigerians are watching closely, and this is an opportunity for the labour movement to prove its relevance in protecting the interests of the masses.
The time for empty warnings is over. The NLC must now lead by example, ensuring that the government is held accountable and that policies are people-centered rather than profit-driven. Nigerians have suffered enough under poor governance and exploitative economic policies. This moment presents a defining test for the NLC’s credibility.
Will the NLC take a stand, or will this be another cycle of ineffective threats? The coming weeks will tell.
