The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that it will mobilize a nationwide protest if the Federal Government proceeds with its plan to regularize electricity tariffs for customers in Bands A, B, and C. The labour union described the move as a deliberate attempt to impose economic hardship on Nigerians already struggling with inflation, stagnant wages, and a high cost of living.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja strongly criticized the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for what he called a “sham reclassification” of electricity consumers. He alleged that the government was disguising its intention to hike tariffs by claiming to improve service delivery. According to him, the Ministry of Power and NERC were working to “forcefully migrate consumers from lower bands to Band A” under the pretense of service upgrades while, in reality, increasing the financial burden on households and businesses.
The Federal Government had earlier defended the planned tariff adjustments, arguing that they were necessary to improve the efficiency and reliability of the power sector. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made the announcement during the public presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) and the Nigeria Integrated Resource Plan in Abuja.
Under the current system, Band B customers, who receive between 17 and 18 hours of electricity daily, pay ₦63 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while Band A customers, who get between 20 and 24 hours of supply, pay ₦209 per kWh. Adelabu explained that the reforms aim to introduce cost-reflective tariffs for about 15% of consumers, which he said would help drive investment into the sector.
Despite the government’s assurances, the NLC remains unconvinced. Ugboaja argued that tariff hikes would amount to “economic violence” against the working class and the broader Nigerian population. He accused the ruling elite of enforcing policies that prioritize profit over the welfare of citizens.
The NLC has vowed to resist any tariff increase, warning that it would take mass action if the government proceeds with the adjustment.
“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,” Ugboaja stated.
He added that if the Ministry of Power and NERC move forward with the planned increase, the NLC would mobilize for a nationwide protest to resist what it described as an attempt to “strangle” Nigerians economically.
“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,” Ugboaja declared.
He further accused the government of working in the interest of “capitalist profiteers” at the expense of ordinary Nigerians, vowing that the NLC would not allow such policies to go unchallenged.
While the government maintains that the tariff adjustment is crucial for sectoral improvements, it has also taken steps to address longstanding issues such as metering gaps.
In February 2025, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) began distributing free prepaid meters to Band A customers under the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) scheme. This initiative aims to address complaints about estimated billing and ensure consumers only pay for the power they use.
Additionally, in November 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to guarantee a minimum of 20 hours of daily power supply to Band A customers.
Despite these measures, the broader concern remains the affordability of electricity. Many Nigerians already struggle with high energy costs, and labour unions argue that another tariff hike without corresponding improvements in income and economic stability will only worsen hardship for millions.
As tensions build, the coming weeks will determine whether the government proceeds with the tariff adjustments or backs down in the face of organized labour’s resistance.
