The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly rejected the Federal Government’s plan to revise electricity tariffs for customers in Bands A, B, and C. This decision was conveyed in a joint statement by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, following a crucial meeting in Yola, Adamawa State.

The NLC strongly criticized the planned migration of electricity consumers from lower bands to Band A, describing it as an unjustified economic burden on the masses. The union warned that if the Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) proceed with the tariff increase, it will mobilize for a nationwide protest.

“NEC unequivocally rejects the ongoing reclassification of electricity consumers by NERC, which seeks to forcefully migrate consumers from lower bands to Band A under the guise of service improvement,” the communique read.

The labour union further accused the government of enabling profiteering at the expense of Nigerians, insisting that such policies only worsen economic hardships.

Last Thursday, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, revealed plans to upgrade lower bands to Band A. This follows NERC’s approval of an electricity price increase in 2024, which set the cost of a unit of power at approximately N250 for Band A customers.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigerian workers and citizens from exploitative policies, the NLC vowed to resist any attempt to impose further financial strain on the populace.