By Our correspondent
Abuja, The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over what it described as persistent failures in Nigeria’s electricity sector, sharply criticizing electricity distribution companies (DisCos) for classifying consumers into tariff bands amid worsening power supply.
In a strongly worded reaction, the labour union condemned the band-based billing structure introduced by electricity distribution companies under the regulatory framework of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The system categorizes consumers into Bands A to E, with Band A customers expected to receive a minimum of 20 hours of electricity daily at higher tariffs.
The NLC argued that the classification has become a tool for exploitation rather than service improvement, alleging that many consumers placed on higher bands continue to suffer erratic power supply despite increased charges.
Labour leaders accused DisCos of failing to meet service commitments tied to the band system, while still imposing steep electricity tariffs on households and businesses already burdened by rising inflation and economic hardship.
According to the Congress, the situation amounts to “paying more for darkness,” stressing that electricity is a critical driver of economic productivity and social stability. The union warned that continued inefficiency, estimated billing practices, and arbitrary migration of consumers between bands could trigger industrial action if urgent corrective measures are not taken.
The NLC further demanded a comprehensive review of the electricity pricing regime, transparent monitoring of service delivery, and sanctions against distribution companies that fail to meet minimum supply benchmarks.
Industry observers note that tensions have been mounting in the power sector as Nigerians grapple with high energy costs, unreliable supply, and mounting operational challenges faced by generation and distribution companies.
While government authorities have yet to issue a formal response to the latest threat, the development signals a potential showdown between organized labour and key players in the electricity value chain—one that could disrupt economic activities nationwide if unresolved.
The NLC maintained that it remains open to dialogue but insisted that workers and ordinary Nigerians can no longer bear the weight of what it described as systemic inefficiency in the power sector.
The looming strike threat adds fresh pressure on stakeholders to address structural bottlenecks and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s fragile electricity system.
