By Juliet Ezeh
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened a nationwide strike over electricity failures and the controversial DisCos banding system, calling it exploitative as Nigerians pay higher tariffs for unreliable power supply.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning of potential nationwide industrial action, citing the recurring failures in the country’s electricity sector and what it describes as exploitative practices by electricity distribution companies (DisCos Nigeria).
Speaking at the annual conference of women and youth organized by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized the classification of consumers into Bands A, B, and C, labeling it as a “backdoor tariff hike” that forces Nigerians to pay more for unreliable power.
“Banding remains the institutionalization of extortion. Band A consumers pay through their noses but still receive epileptic supply. Electricity is a right, not a commodity to be auctioned to the highest bidder while the poor are left in the dark,” Ajaero said.
The labour union highlighted that over a decade after the privatization of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor firms, electricity generation remains stagnant at 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts, barely meeting rising population and industrial demand.
“Instead of light, we have darkness. The national grid collapses with the frequency of a faulty generator, sometimes plunging the entire nation into a blackout,” he added.
Ajaero also condemned reports of a potential bailout for power generation companies, insisting that private operators who have failed to deliver should not benefit from public funds, especially as Nigerians continue to face high tariffs without adequate supply.
The NLC called for a national stakeholders’ summit, bringing together workers, unions, manufacturers, and experts to develop a roadmap prioritizing affordable and stable electricity, reversal of privatization policies, and greater public investment in power infrastructure.
“The private sector has failed. It is time to take back the power for the people,” Ajaero said, urging the government to treat electricity as a social service rather than a profit-driven commodity.
The Federal Government has recently outlined reform plans for the power sector, including settling outstanding debts, upgrading infrastructure, and adjusting tariffs to reflect market realities. However, labour groups argue that without structural changes and stronger public investment, Nigerians will continue to pay for darkness.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.