The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned of mass protests if the Federal Government proceeds with the planned increase in telecommunications and electricity tariffs. The labor union has instructed its affiliates to be on standby for possible action if the government fails to honor agreements reached in previous negotiations.
The decision was made during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Yola, Adamawa State. During the meeting, the NLC also launched its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-driven mass transit buses for the North East Zone and discussed various economic challenges affecting Nigerian workers.
In a statement released on Sunday, the NLC made it clear that any further hike in electricity tariffs would be strongly opposed. The union also called on all industrial unions and allied groups to prepare for mass action against policies it described as harmful to the people.
The statement noted that the NLC had previously reached an agreement with the government on February 21, 2025, through a joint 10-man committee. The agreement reduced the initially proposed 50% telecom tariff hike to 35%. However, the labor union expressed concerns over the government’s history of failing to keep its promises.
“Having extensively discussed these existential threats to the working class and the broader Nigerian masses, NEC-in-session resolves as follows: on the 35% tariff hike in telecommunications services: NEC acknowledges the agreement reached on February 21, 2025, between the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Federal Government through the Joint 10-man committee, which reduced the initially proposed telecommunications tariff hike from 50% to 35%.
“However, congress remains vigilant, recognising the long history of infidelity. NEC categorically warns that should the implementation of the agreement on March 1, 2025, not be as agreed, the National Administrative Council is mandated to immediately deploy all necessary instruments to enforce compliance in line with the February 10th, 2025 Central Working Committee directive,” the statement read.
The NLC also addressed the ongoing reclassification of electricity consumers by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). According to the statement, the NEC rejected the move, which it believes is an attempt to force customers into higher tariff bands under the pretense of service improvement.
“NEC unequivocally rejects the ongoing sham reclassification of electricity consumers by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, 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 statement added.
The union accused the government of imposing economic hardship on Nigerians through constant tariff increases and rising taxation. It noted that inflation has worsened, while wages have remained stagnant, making life unbearable for many citizens.
“NEC-in-session warns that any attempt to announce further electricity tariff increases will be met with mass resistance. Consequently, the congress resolved to immediately mobilise for a nationwide protest should the Ministry of Power and NERC proceed with their exploitative plan to further hike electricity tariffs under any guise,” the NLC said.
The statement further noted that the working class has a responsibility to resist policies that lead to economic hardship. The congress urged its affiliates and progressive allies to remain prepared for any necessary actions to challenge policies deemed unfavorable to Nigerians.
On the issue of the Labour Party, the NLC expressed concern over what it described as the “unfortunate events” within the party. The NEC directed the National Administrative Council to take steps such as rebranding, forming coalitions, or merging with other parties to protect the interests of Nigerian workers.
“The congress will not allow the Labour Party to be hijacked by reactionary forces who do not represent the aspirations of the working people and broader Nigerian people,” the statement added.
