Labour leaders have expressed concerns that this transition would exacerbate the hardships faced by Nigerians.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly opposed the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) proposal to move electricity consumers from lower tariff bands to Band A.
This stance was articulated in a statement released following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NLC, which took place in Yola, Adamawa State.
The statement, co-signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, was shared with reporters on Sunday in Abuja.
The labour leaders stated that the NEC “unequivocally” rejects the current reclassification of electricity consumers by the NERC.
They argued that the initiative to shift consumers from lower bands to Band A, under the pretext of service enhancement, would result in unwarranted financial burdens on the public and increased economic strain on both the working class and the wider Nigerian community.
They expressed that the migration would exacerbate the suffering of Nigerians.
“While inflation has surged, wages have remained stagnant, and the cost of living has become intolerable.
“The NEC-in-session cautioned that any move to announce further increases in electricity tariffs would face widespread opposition.
“The Congress has decided to mobilize for a nationwide protest if the Ministry of Power and NERC move forward with their exploitative plan to raise electricity tariffs under any pretext,” they stated.
The labor leaders also noted that the NEC recognized the agreement reached between the NLC and the federal government through the Joint 10-Man Committee, which reduced the initially proposed telecommunications tariff hike from 50% to 35%.
