Electricity: NLC threatens mass protest over forceful migration to Band A

Electricity: NLC threatens mass protest over forceful migration to Band A

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected plans by the Federal Government to forcefully move electricity customers from lower bands to Band A where they will pay heavily for improved power

This is contained in a communique released on Sunday by the NLC after its National Executive Council (NEC) in Yola, Adamawa State.

The labour union vowed to lead mass nationwide protests across Nigeria should the government continue with its plan.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said last Thursday that lower bands would be upgraded to Band A.

Reacting, the NLC, in its communique sign by General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, rejected the “forcefully migration” of consumers from lower bands to Band A.

“On the Migration of Electricity Consumer’s with a view to increasing tariff: NEC unequivocally rejects the ongoing sham reclassification of electricity consumers by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), 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 NLC declared.

It also stated, “This systematic exploitation, sanctioned by the Ministry of Power, is nothing short of economic violence against the working class and broader Nigerian populace.

“It is evident that the ruling elite, acting as enforcers of global monopoly capital, are determined to further deepen the misery of the Nigerian people through incessant tariff hikes, increased taxation, and relentless economic strangulation.

“Whereas inflation has soared, wages remain stagnant, and the cost of living has become unbearable, the ruling class continues to transfer the burden of their fiscal irresponsibility onto the already impoverished working masses.

“NEC-in-session warns that any attempt to announce further electricity tariff increases will be met with mass resistance.

“Consequently, the Congress resolves 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 shall not stand idly by while the Nigerian people are subjected to the unholy machinations of capitalist profiteers and their state collaborators.”