By Abigail Philip David
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning to the federal government, signaling a potential nationwide protest over recent hikes in telecommunications service tariffs and the controversial electricity band migration plans.
The decision emerged from the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Yola, Adamawa State, where labour leaders expressed growing frustration over the government’s handling of economic policies affecting workers and ordinary citizens.
Labour Rejects Telecom Tariff Hike, Accuses Govt of Breach
The NLC’s concerns stem from its February 21, 2025, agreement with the government through a Joint 10-Man Committee, which successfully reduced a planned 50% increase in telecom tariffs to 35%. However, the union remains skeptical about the government’s commitment to fully implementing the agreement.
The congress has vowed to take decisive action if the authorities fail to meet their end of the bargain, warning that the burden of economic reforms should not fall solely on workers and struggling Nigerians.
Electricity Band Migration Sparks Outrage
The NLC also condemned the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) over its planned reclassification of electricity consumers, calling it a disguised attempt to impose unjustified tariff hikes.
According to the congress, the government’s strategy of migrating consumers from lower bands to the more expensive Band A under the pretense of service improvement is nothing more than economic exploitation.
“Economic Violence Against Nigerians” – NLC
In a strongly worded communiqué, signed by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, the congress rejected the reclassification move, labeling it “economic violence” against workers and the masses.
“This systematic exploitation, sanctioned by the Ministry of Power, is nothing short of economic violence against the working class and the broader Nigerian populace.”
The labour body emphasized that any further increase in electricity tariffs would be met with mass resistance and nationwide protests.
Labour Mobilizing for Possible Mass Action
The NLC directed all affiliates, industrial unions, and progressive allies to be on high alert and fully prepared for mass action if the agreement reached in February is not honored by March 1, 2025.
“Should the implementation of the agreement on March 1, 2025, not proceed as agreed, the National Administrative Council (NAC) is mandated to immediately deploy all necessary instruments to enforce compliance in line with the February 10, 2025, Central Working Committee (CWC) directive.”
As tensions rise, all eyes are on the government’s next move. Will it uphold its commitments, or will Nigeria witness yet another labour-led mass protest?
