The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that the Federal Government’s plan to remove electricity subsidies will worsen poverty, cripple businesses, and trigger social unrest.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP Weekend, Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Benson Upah, said higher tariffs would push millions of households into darkness and distress, while raising production costs for businesses. He described the policy as “anti-people” and accused government of collusion with power companies.
Upah criticised the privatisation of the power sector, saying it has failed to deliver reliable supply despite massive allocations. He vowed that the NLC would mobilise against the policy, warning of protests if the government proceeds.
The labour leader cited a recent U.S. report which found Nigeria’s new ₦70,000 minimum wage — about $48 monthly — still below poverty level due to naira devaluation. He questioned why government is considering electricity hikes while millions cannot afford food, rent, or transportation.
Opposition figures, including former PDP chairman Uche Secondus, urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider, warning that “this is not the time to punish Nigerians further.”
