The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly opposed the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) proposal to reclassify electricity consumers, a move that would effectively increase tariffs by migrating consumers from lower bands to Band A. In a statement, the NLC warned that any attempt to implement this adjustment would be met with nationwide protests, emphasizing their readiness to mobilize members across the country.
The NLC criticized the reclassification as an unjustified exploitation of Nigerians, asserting that it would disproportionately affect the masses. They accused NERC of collaborating with profiteers to impose undue financial burdens on citizens and declared their unwillingness to allow such actions to proceed unchallenged.
This development comes in the context of previous industrial actions by the NLC, including a general strike in mid-2024, which was driven by demands for a higher minimum wage amidst a cost-of-living crisis. The union’s current stance indicates a continued commitment to opposing policies perceived as detrimental to Nigerian workers and the general populace.
The NLC’s threat of nationwide protests underscores the potential for significant labor unrest if the proposed tariff adjustments are implemented without addressing the concerns raised by the union. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between labor organizations and regulatory bodies over economic policies affecting essential services.
