The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has opposed plans by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to reclassify electricity consumers, warning that any attempt to hike tariffs will be met with mass resistance.09032394034

In a communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, the NLC condemned the move to migrate consumers from lower bands to Band A under the pretext of service improvement.

The labour leaders described the plan as an attempt to extort Nigerians and deepen economic hardship.

NEC members, led by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja insisted that electricity tariff hikes amid soaring inflation, stagnant wages, and a rising cost of living would further impoverish citizens.

The Congress, therefore, resolved to mobilise for a nationwide protest if the Ministry of Power and NERC proceed with the reclassification.

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The labour leaders also addressed the agreement between NLC and the Federal Government which reduced the initially proposed telcoms tariff hike from 50 to 35 per cent.

They warned that if the agreement is not implemented by March 1, the National Administrative Council,NAC, would take decisive action to enforce compliance.

On the state of the Labour Party, the NEC directed the NAC to initiate immediate steps such as rebranding, merging, or forming coalitions to protect the interests of Nigerian workers.

The Congress vowed to reclaim the party from external influences and return it to its original ideological foundation.

Workers were urged to remain resolute and organised in the ongoing struggle for a fair and equitable Nigeria.

NAN