The Traffic

NLC Threatens Nationwide Protest Over FG’s Plan to Hike Electricity Tariffs

By Achimi Muktar

Nigerians may soon face a fresh wave of protests as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to shut down the country if the Federal Government proceeds with its planned electricity tariff adjustment.

The warning comes amid growing public outrage over the proposed regularisation of electricity tariffs for customers in Bands A, B, and C. The NLC argues that this move, disguised as a service improvement measure, is nothing more than an attempt to impose “unjustified extortion” on the masses.

Government’s Plan: Higher Tariffs for More Power?

The controversy erupted after the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced the government’s plan during the Public Presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) and Nigeria Integrated Resource Plan in Abuja. The policy, developed with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and the UK Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF), aims to restructure Nigeria’s power sector.

According to Adelabu, under the current tariff system:

Band A customers receive about 20 hours of electricity daily but pay a staggering N209 per kWh.

Band B customers, who get 17 to 18 hours, pay N63 per kWh.

He defended the policy, saying it reflects the real cost of power generation and is necessary to drive infrastructure development. However, labour unions see things differently.

NLC Fires Back: “Economic Violence Against Nigerians”

Reacting to the announcement, NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja rejected the reclassification of electricity consumers, calling it an attempt to exploit Nigerians under the guise of service improvement.

“The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is forcefully migrating consumers from lower bands to Band A, pretending it’s about better service, when in reality, it’s legalized extortion,” he said.

Ugboaja went further, describing the planned tariff hike as “economic violence against the working class” and an attempt to “deepen the misery of Nigerians” while wages remain stagnant and the cost of living skyrockets.

“It is evident that 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,” he added.

“We Will Shut Down the Country” – NLC’s Warning

The NLC has issued a clear warning: if the government proceeds with the tariff hike, there will be mass resistance.

“The Congress resolves to immediately mobilise for a nationwide protest should the Ministry of Power and NERC proceed with their exploitative plan to hike electricity tariffs under any guise,” Ugboaja warned.

He emphasized that the labour movement will not allow “capitalist profiteers and their state collaborators” to continue imposing financial hardship on already struggling Nigerians.

What’s Next?

The standoff between the government and labour unions is set to escalate in the coming weeks. With inflation soaring and many Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities, another electricity tariff hike could be the breaking point.

Meanwhile, the government argues that the tariff adjustment is necessary to improve power sector revenue, enhance infrastructure, and ensure a more reliable electricity supply.

Will the government push ahead with its plans despite the resistance? Or will the threat of nationwide protests force a policy reversal? As tension builds, Nigerians are bracing for what could be another major showdown between the government and labour unions.