NLC Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Poor Power Supply, Band Classification

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a threat of nationwide industrial action over the persistent collapse of the national grid, describing the state of the electricity sector more than a decade after privatisation as one of “darkness, exploitation and economic pain.”

The labour centre also condemned the classification of electricity consumers into Bands A, B, and C, labelling it as institutionalised extortion.

Speaking at a conference organised by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in Abuja on Sunday, NLC President Joe Ajaero issued what he termed a final warning to authorities and operators. He stated that organised labour would resist any further tariff increases or policies that worsen the plight of Nigerians without a corresponding improvement in power supply.

Ajaero lamented that over 10 years after the unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), electricity generation has remained stagnant at between 4,000 and 5,000 megawatts roughly the same level as before privatisation despite a growing population and increased industrial demand.

He described the situation as shameful and called for a comprehensive review of the sector.

“We declare that the failed privatisation experiment has plunged Nigerian workers, women, youth and industries into deeper energy poverty as the national grid continues to collapse,” Ajaero said.

He argued that the privatisation exercise was a “grand deception,” alleging that the new investors acquired the Discos and Gencos with borrowed funds and are now relying on high tariffs to service their loans.

Criticism of Band System and Proposed Bailout

Ajaero took particular aim at the band classification system, which he said amounts to a backdoor tariff hike.

“Banding remains the institutionalisation of extortion. Band A consumers pay through their noses but still receive epileptic supply. This government is asking Nigerians to pay for darkness. We reject this segregation,” he stated.

He also faulted reports of a planned bailout for generation companies, questioning the rationale for using public funds to rescue private firms that have failed to deliver on their mandates.

The NLC president urged the government to revert to a social service model for the electricity sector, arguing that only the state has the capacity to shoulder the heavy capital investment required.

“The private sector has failed. It is time to take back the power for the people,” he added.

Call for Stakeholders’ Summit

Ajaero called for a national stakeholders’ summit involving workers, unions, manufacturers, and experts to develop a new roadmap for the sector. He advocated for the reversal of the privatisation framework and greater public investment in infrastructure.

“The Nigerian people cannot continue to pay for darkness. When power is not available, it cannot be affordable. Power must be returned to the people,” he said.

Nigeria has long struggled with inadequate power generation and frequent grid collapses. While the Federal Government has in recent months outlined plans for reforms including debt settlement and infrastructure improvements labour unions have consistently opposed tariff hikes and privatisation policies.