NLC Threatens Nationwide Protest Over Electricity Tariff Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly opposed the federal government’s proposed electricity tariff hike, describing it as an “unjustified extortion” of the masses. The labour union has vowed to mobilise nationwide protests to resist the increase.

Following its National Executive Council meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, the NLC issued a communiqué condemning the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for its continued reclassification of electricity consumers into higher tariff bands. NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, criticised the band system, calling it a fraudulent scheme that has failed to improve power supply while burdening consumers with higher costs.

Ajaero insisted that any tariff adjustment must be preceded by proper consultations with relevant stakeholders, including consumer protection agencies and labour unions. He further argued that since the power sector has been deregulated, the federal government lacks the authority to impose tariff increases unilaterally.

In a related development, the Adamawa State chapter of the NLC has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over the government’s failure to meet workers’ demands. Similarly, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Academic and Non-Academic Staff Unions of state-owned tertiary institutions has declared a seven-day warning strike starting March 3, 2025. The unions have warned that if their demands remain unmet, they will proceed with an indefinite strike from March 10.

Their demands include full implementation of the 2024 minimum wage and the Consolidated Tertiary Institution Salary Structure (CONTISS), reversal of excessive deductions in ASHA and PAYE, implementation of promotion-related financial benefits, and increased funding for state-owned tertiary institutions. The unions expressed frustration over the government’s lack of response despite repeated appeals.