President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has condemned the electricity banding system, calling it another form of fraud.
Speaking ahead of the NLC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, Ajaero criticized the proposed increase in electricity tariffs announced by the Federal Ministry of Power.
“This banding system (A, B, C, D) that electricity providers are using is nothing but 419. The service remains poor, whether you are in Band A or Band D. They are simply using it to defraud Nigerians, and we will oppose any attempt to increase electricity tariffs,” he declared.
Ajaero further argued that tariff hikes have not improved power supply, noting that some areas experience days of blackout despite paying higher rates.
The NLC President also criticized the Federal Government’s role in electricity pricing, stating that since the power sector has been deregulated, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) must conduct proper consultations before any tariff increase.
“We will resist any attempt to increase electricity tariffs in Nigeria. The economic hardship people are facing is unbearable, and we will continue to stand with Nigerian workers and citizens,” he said.
Ajaero also disclosed that the proposed 100% increase in telecommunications tariffs has been suspended after the NLC engaged service providers in a lengthy negotiation.
“No matter what workers earn, it is never enough, but we have ensured that no public sector worker earns below ₦70,000 monthly. We are also monitoring the Federal Government’s cash transfer program to ensure it reaches the most vulnerable Nigerians,” he concluded.
