The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that Nigeria’s electricity crisis will persist unless government abandons political patronage and commits to real reform of the power sector.
Responding to the latest grid collapse, NLC President Joe Ajaero directly blamed years of misplaced priorities, weak regulation, and leadership appointments driven by loyalty rather than competence.
“This is not a technical failure,” he declared. “Predatory governance in the power sector created this mess.”
Rejecting Government’s Plan
Instead of solving the crisis, the federal government plans to spend ₦4 trillion settling debts owed to electricity distribution companies.
But the NLC rejected the proposal outright and insisted that government should invest the funds in new generation and transmission projects.
“This money can build a people-owned, people-run power system,” the Union argued.
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Call For Real Reform
Meanwhile, every collapse continues to choke small businesses, halt industrial growth, and push millions of households deeper into hardship.
Families pay higher tariffs yet still live in darkness, a reality the NLC described as intolerable.
Therefore, the Union urged government to act decisively: overhaul leadership in the sector, appoint proven technocrats, and launch a full public audit of the industry since privatisation.
By doing so, it argued, the country can rebuild a power sector that prioritises citizens over profit.
In conclusion, Ajaero delivered a stark warning.
“The working people of Nigeria will no longer accept excuses.
If government truly wants to fix power, it must start with competent leadership and genuine investment in infrastructure.”
