The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned of a nationwide industrial action in response to the ongoing collapse of Nigeria’s electricity grid, describing a decade of power sector privatisation as a period of “darkness, exploitation and economic pain” for citizens.
Addressing the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) Annual Conference of Women and Youth in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero issued what he termed a “final warning” to government authorities and power sector operators.
He stressed that organised labour would oppose any further tariff increases or policies that exacerbate hardship without delivering improved electricity supply.
Ajaero highlighted that more than ten years after the unbundling and sale of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), electricity generation remains stuck between 4,000 and 5,000 megawatts — roughly the same level recorded before privatisation — despite Nigeria’s growing population and rising industrial demands.
Describing the situation as “shameful” and a reflection of Nigeria’s stagnation, Ajaero called for an urgent, comprehensive review of the power sector to address its persistent failures and inefficiencies.
