Nigerians Slam NLC Over Silence on Electricity, Telecom, and MultiChoice Tariff Hikes

As Nigerians persist in dealing with various policies perceived as unfavorable, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has faced increased scrutiny.

Reports indicate that the NLC, once renowned for its powerful influence in holding both government and private sectors accountable, has recently experienced a decline in its authority. This is due to a series of ’empty’ threats that have consistently produced little or no results over time.

To some Nigerians, the NLC that once commanded immense respect during the eras of Pa Michael Imoudu, Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu, Alhaji Ali Ciroma, and Adams Oshiomhole is no longer alive.

Before Joe Ajaero’s tenure as NLC National President, the congress was renowned for being a strong advocate for the middle class. It consistently ensured that policymakers respected and upheld the rights and welfare of citizens, especially Nigerian workers.

However, the name NLC no longer garners respect.

In recent years, it has been noted that the NLC’s role in influencing national policies has diminished. This decline in assertiveness and relevance has allowed various levels of government to unilaterally make decisions on significant national matters, such as workers’ welfare, without encountering a strong response from the Congress.

Recently, particularly since the current administration began in May 2023, the once-powerful NLC has faced accusations of becoming entangled in political compromises that unnecessarily expose workers to vulnerabilities.

Elimination of fuel subsidies

Many Nigerians believe that the NLC’s weakness became evident soon after President Bola Tinubu eliminated the fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023.

Remember that Nigeria’s primary labor union had announced a nationwide strike to pressure the government into reversing its decision on removing fuel subsidies.

A few days following Tinubu’s announcement of the subsidy removal, which caused a sharp increase in fuel prices and resulted in an unbearable cost of living, the NLC’s national executive council convened in Abuja and declared an indefinite nationwide strike.

Less than 24 hours before the planned nationwide strike, the Labour movement called off its plans to go on strike.

Labour leaders stated that the decision was made following an extensive meeting with the Federal Government. During this meeting, both parties agreed to maintain dialogue regarding the implementation of demands put forth by both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The demands called for the government to implement policies, such as reviving the CNG conversion program, to mitigate the impact of removing subsidies.

Reports indicate that the difficulties arising from the subsidy removal nearly two years ago have significantly increased, with no effective action taken by the NLC to alleviate them.

The CNG buses pledged by the government to facilitate city transportation have not yet reached most Nigerian workers.

Increase in electricity rates

In July 2024, the electricity Distribution companies (DisCos) announced an increase in electricity tariffs, a decision that sparked widespread outrage throughout the country.

After the announcement, NLC President Joe Ajaero issued a statement titled “Stop Killing the People and the Economy,” criticizing that the increase for customers in “the so-called band A” exemplifies extreme impunity and arrogance.

Ajaero observed that the 250 percent increase sparked widespread anger among citizens and provoked the fury of organized labor.

Following a one-day protest, the NLC decided to step back. Ajaero explained that this decision was made because of strong assurances from key parties, including the National Assembly, promising that the issue would be addressed discreetly.

reports indicate that the tariff was implemented, despite grave silence from the labor union.

Increase in telecom rates

The waning influence of the NLC became even more evident in January when the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) sanctioned a 50% rise in telecom tariffs for operators within Nigeria.

In their typical statements, the NLC flatly rejected the hike and promptly threatened a confrontation with the telecommunications sector.

The labor union pledged to disrupt the nation’s economy through protests if the federal government does not overturn its decision.

After meeting with government representatives at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on February 4, 2025, however, the union decided to cancel the planned rally.

DStv and Gotv Subscription Prices Increased by Multichoice

When Multichoice Nigeria recently raised the subscription fees for DStv and GOtv, the NLC declared that they would not accept this increase, suggesting a potential confrontation.

Despite all the commotion, the leading cable television service provider in Nigeria went ahead with its decision unopposed, highlighting the NLC’s inability to support its statements with concrete actions.

Recently, the company announced another increase in subscription fees, but the NLC has remained silent on the issue.

Some Nigerians, who were interviewed, shared their disappointment with the Congress.

Joseph Ojobo, an on-air personality, shared with our correspondent in Abuja that the time of influential labor unions in Nigeria has come to a close.

He stated, “Currently in Nigeria, there’s nothing that truly resembles a labor union. They are solely focused on their own selfish interests.”

Back when NLC was at its peak, such issues wouldn’t arise. I recall in 2012, after former President Goodluck Jonathan eliminated the fuel subsidy; labor unions effectively brought the entire country to a standstill. As a result, I found myself stranded in my village following Christmas.

These days, it seems like all the NLC does is release statements sporadically. There’s no action, strike, or protest to speak of. Despite the significant hardship Nigerians are experiencing, everything remains quiet as if nothing is occurring.

Anyone can raise the price of their services at any time, leaving Nigerian workers without an advocate to represent them.

Likewise, socio-political activist Adebanjo Idowu Mathew advocated for the removal of the current NLC leadership to make room for a new group of labor leaders.

He mentioned that the government no longer takes them seriously ever since they became entangled in politics. He noted, “Consider a labor union asserting ownership of a political party—they openly endorsed a presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.”

The ruling party views them as the opposition. To restore their reputation, it’s essential for the current leadership to step aside and make way for new individuals who genuinely comprehend the struggle and prioritize more than just personal interests.

Their initial error was supporting a presidential candidate. Even if the candidate had won, there would still be issues because it’s challenging to hold accountable a government you helped bring into power. That approach just doesn’t work.

Additionally, Mrs. Anthonia Adikwu, a civil servant, accused the union’s leadership of living lavishly at “the expense of those they are supposed to protect.”

They go overseas for medical checkups, drive luxury cars, and live extravagantly at the expense of the people they are supposed to protect.

“They are no different from those in power. Both the NLC leadership and government officials are primarily looking out for themselves, with little regard for the masses,” she remarked.

At the time of filing the report, attempts to reach Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Information, for comment were unsuccessful.