New Electricity Tariff Hike ‘Systemic Exploitation’ Of Nigerians, Says NLC, Threatens Mass protest

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC,has threatened to lead a mass protest of Nigerians against the planned increase of electricity tariff by the federal government.

The Joe Ajaero-led NLC issued the warning on Sunday, in a communique at the end of its National Executive Council , NEC, meeting in Yola, Adamawa state, describing the action as a ‘systemic exploitation’ of electricity consumers and Nigerians.

The Union’s threat comes barely a week after the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu unveiled plans to migrate Band B and C consumers to Bank A, with an attendant tariff hike.

Bank A electricity consumers are currently charged N225 per kilowatt of electricity across the country, by distribution companies, Discos.

The minister said the hike is necessary to improve liquidity in the power sector, amidt criticisms among not a few electricity consumers.

Reacting, NLC said it will resist any hike, which it said will deepen the economic problems of Nigerians, blaming the federal government for shifting the burden of its inefficiency on the poor masses in the country.

In the communique signed by Ajaero and NLC Secretary, Emma Ogboaja, the labour union further described the plans an  economic violence against workers and Nigerians who are currently struggling to survive due to the economic crisis in the country.

‘’This systematic exploitation, sanctioned by the ministry of power, is nothing short of economic violence against the working class and broader Nigerian populace,” NLC said.

Adding that, “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.

‘’Whereas inflation has soared, wages remain stagnant, and the cost of living has become unbearable, the ruling class continues to transfer the burden of their fiscal irresponsibility onto the already impoverished working masses.

“NEC-in-session warns that any attempt to announce further electricity tariff increases will be met with mass resistance. Consequently, the Congress resolves to immediately mobilize for a nationwide protest should the ministry of power and NERC proceed with their exploitative plan to further hike electricity tariffs under any guise.

“NLC shall not stand idly by, while Nigerian people are subjected to the unholy machinations of capitalist profiteers and their state collaborators.”

Meanwhile, the NLC says telecommunications companies win the country must obey the recent agreement the union reached with the federal government and other stakeholders in the telecoms industry, for the reduction of tariff to 35 percent from 50 percent, saying that the NLC ‘remains vigilant’ to ensure that the agreement is obeyed.

Recall that the federal government had earlier announced 50 percent telecoms tariff in the country but later reversed the decision after series of consultations with various labour groups.