The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to proceed with nationwide protest if the Federal Authorities of Nigeria proceeds to regularise electrical energy tariffs for Nigerian prospects for Bands A, B and C.
This was disclosed in a communique signed by NLC Common Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja on Sunday, as reported by Channels Tv.
Nairametrics beforehand reported that the Federal Authorities had introduced plans to regularise electrical energy tariffs for patrons for Band A, B and C to make sure a extra environment friendly and dependable energy sector.
This disclosure was made by the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, throughout the Public Presentation of the Nationwide Built-in Electrical energy Coverage (NIEP) and Nigeria Built-in Useful resource Plan in Abuja on Thursday.
The coverage doc was mentioned to be developed by the ministry with help from the UK Overseas, Commonwealth and Growth Workplace (FCDO) and the UK Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF).
Present tariff buildings and disparities
Based on Adelabu, underneath the present construction, Band B prospects obtain between 17 to 18 hours of electrical energy provide and pay N63 per kWh, whereas Band A prospects, who get simply 2 to six additional hours, pay N209 per kWh, as reported by the Information Company of Nigeria.
Adelabu defined that in 2024, the ability sector adopted cost-reflective tariffs for about 15 per cent of electrical energy customers. Whereas this may increasingly look like a small share, he emphasised that it marks a major step ahead within the sector’s reform.
NLC Reacts
Reacting to the event, Ugboaja said that “on the Migration of Electrical energy Customers with a view to growing tariff: NEC unequivocally rejects the continued sham reclassification of electrical energy customers by the Nigerian Electrical energy Regulatory Fee (NERC), which seeks to forcefully migrate customers from decrease bands to Band A underneath the guise of service enchancment whereas, in actuality, imposing unjustified extortion on the lots.”
He alleged that systematic exploitation is sanctioned by the Ministry of Energy via the proposed adjustment, including that it’s nothing in need of financial violence in opposition to the working class and the broader Nigerian populace.
“It’s evident that the ruling elite, performing as enforcers of worldwide monopoly capital, are decided to additional deepen the distress of the Nigerian folks via incessant tariff hikes, elevated taxation, and relentless financial strangulation.
“Whereas inflation has soared, wages stay stagnant, and the price of dwelling has develop into insufferable, the ruling class continues to switch the burden of their fiscal irresponsibility onto the already impoverished working lots,” he added.
- Based on him, NEC-in-session warns that any try and announce additional electrical energy tariff will increase shall be met with mass resistance.
“Consequently, the Congress resolves to instantly mobilise for a nationwide protest ought to the Ministry of Energy and NERC proceed with their exploitative plan to additional hike electrical energy tariffs underneath any guise,” he warned.
He added that the NLC shall not stand idly by whereas the Nigerian persons are subjected to the alleged unholy machinations of capitalist profiteers and their state collaborators.
What you need to know
- In February 2025, Eko Electrical energy Distribution Firm (EKEDC) formally commenced the distribution of free pay as you go meters to Band A prospects inside its protection areas as a part of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) scheme, as reported by Nairametrics.
- In November 2024, the Nigerian Electrical energy Regulatory Fee (NERC) requested electrical energy distribution corporations (DisCos) to make sure Band A prospects obtain the required 20 hours of every day energy provide.
- The tariff adjustment goals to enhance energy sector income, improve infrastructure, and guarantee extra dependable electrical energy for customers.
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