In a dramatic turn of events that could send shockwaves across Nigeria, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued an unequivocal ultimatum to the Federal Government: abandon any plans for further electricity tariff hikes or face mass resistance that may culminate in an unprecedented nationwide strike. The warning comes amid growing public discontent over soaring energy costs and the continuous failure of the government to provide basic amenities to its citizens.
At the heart of the controversy is the NLC’s vehement rejection of any planned hike in electricity tariffs, which it views as a deliberate ploy to squeeze more money from already struggling Nigerians. In a strongly worded communique released at the close of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, the NLC stated that any attempt to increase tariffs under any guise would be met with relentless resistance. The union’s leadership did not mince words, declaring their readiness to mobilize mass resistance if the government dares to push forward with any further hikes.
Adding fuel to the fire, the NLC has also targeted the telecommunications sector. The union threatened to shut down operations of telecommunications companies should they fail to implement a 35 percent tariff hike – a figure that was mutually agreed upon with the government – instead of the previously approved 50 percent increase as mandated by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC). This dual-pronged threat underscores the NLC’s determination to defend the interests of the common man against what it terms as “unjustified extortion.”
One of the most contentious issues highlighted by the NLC in its statement was the so-called “ongoing sham reclassification of electricity consumers by the NERC.” According to the union, this reclassification scheme is nothing short of a covert operation designed to forcefully migrate consumers from lower tariff bands to Band A.
The NLC argues that while the government and its regulatory partners claim the reclassification is intended to bring about service improvement, it is, in reality, a thinly veiled attempt to impose even greater financial burdens on Nigerians. The union’s statement declares:
“the ongoing sham reclassification of electricity consumers by the NERC, which seeks to forcefully migrate consumers from lower bands to Band A under the guise of service improvement while, in reality, imposing unjustified extortion on the masses.”
The bold language used by the NLC has already stirred up a maelstrom of reactions across the country. Critics of the government’s economic policies have lauded the union’s stance, viewing it as a necessary stand against policies that place profits over people. Conversely, government officials have warned that such radical measures could disrupt essential services and destabilize the already fragile economy.
The NLC’s latest pronouncements come at a time when public patience is wearing thin. Nigerians, who are grappling with a host of socio-economic challenges—from unreliable power supply to skyrocketing living costs—are increasingly disillusioned with a government that seems to prioritize corporate interests over the welfare of its citizens. The union’s message is clear: if the authorities fail to address these issues with genuine reforms, they will face the full force of a people pushed to the brink of desperation.
This raises the pivotal question: will the Federal Government, telecom operators, and regulatory bodies have the nerve to put action to their words this time? Can they withstand the pressure of a mass strike that threatens to bring critical services to a grinding halt? The series of threats made by the NLC – from resisting tariff hikes to potentially shutting down telecommunications operations – have already set the stage for what could be one of the most consequential industrial actions in Nigeria’s recent history.
The stakes could not be higher. A nationwide strike would not only disrupt power and communication but could also send shockwaves through other sectors of the economy, affecting industries, businesses, and the livelihoods of millions. As tensions escalate, both the public and industry experts are keenly watching how the situation will unfold. The possibility of a coordinated strike by the NLC looms large, prompting urgent calls for dialogue and compromise from all sides.
In this critical moment, the fate of Nigeria’s electricity and telecommunications sectors hangs in the balance. The NLC’s unequivocal message is that the government must put people before profits and reject any policies that further deepen the financial burden on its citizens. With the union prepared to escalate its threats into action, all eyes are now on the Federal Government and the NCC: will they have the courage to heed these warnings and implement meaningful reforms, or will they force their hand into a full-blown strike that could paralyze the nation?
As the deadline for a response looms, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether this impassioned call for justice will finally be transformed into decisive action—a historic moment that could redefine the balance of power between the Nigerian state and its people.
