By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly opposed any planned hikes in electricity tariffs, warning that such increases will be met with significant resistance.
The NLC emphasized in a communiqué that “any attempt to announce further electricity tariff increases will be met with mass resistance,” signaling their readiness to organize nationwide protests if the government proceeds with the plan.
The NLC also criticized the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for its ongoing reclassification of electricity consumers, labeling it as “unjustified extortion of the masses” and describing the move as “economic violence against the working class and broader Nigerian populace.”
They accused the ruling elite of deepening the economic struggles of Nigerians through continuous tariff hikes and other financial burdens.
In relation to the telecommunications sector, the NLC acknowledged a reduced 35% tariff increase after a deal with the government, down from an initially proposed 50%.
However, they cautioned that they would remain watchful, stressing, “If the implementation is not as agreed, the National Administrative Council is mandated to immediately deploy all necessary instruments to enforce compliance.”
Additionally, the NLC expressed concern over the direction of the Labour Party, urging measures to prevent its capture by “reactionary forces.”
They reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the party aligned with its original purpose, ensuring it continues to represent the interests of Nigerian workers and the wider public.
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