NLC Threatens Strike Over Frequent National grid Collapse.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to launch a nationwide strike due to the ongoing collapse of Nigeria’s electricity grid. Describing the power sector as a failed privatization experiment that has resulted in “darkness, exploitation, and economic pain,” the NLC is calling for urgent action.
At the annual conference of women and youth organized by the National Union of Electricity Employees in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero issued a final warning to authorities and operators.
He emphasized that organized labor would oppose further tariff hikes or policies that deepen hardship without improving electricity supply.
Ajaero expressed frustration that more than ten years after the unbundling and sale of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria’s successor companies, electricity generation remains stuck between 4,000 and 5,000 megawatts—levels similar to those before privatization—despite Nigeria’s growing population and industrial needs.
He condemned the current situation as shameful and called for a comprehensive review of the sector.
“We once again sound the alarm on the deplorable state of the nation’s electricity sector. We declare that the failed privatization experiment has plunged Nigerian workers, women, youth, and industries into deeper energy poverty as the national grid continues to collapse while DISCOs persistently reject loads from the Transmission Company of Nigeria,” he said.
Ajaero accused private investors of acquiring distribution (DISCOs) and generation (GENCOs) companies with borrowed money, arguing that consumers are now burdened with high tariffs to repay those loans.
He also criticized the classification system for electricity consumers, calling it “institutionalized extortion.”
“Band A consumers pay through their noses but still receive epileptic supply. This government is asking Nigerians to pay for darkness. Electricity is a right, not a commodity to be auctioned to the highest bidder while the poor are left in the dark,” he said.
The NLC president further questioned reports of a planned bailout for generation companies, insisting there is no reason for public funds to support private firms that have failed to deliver.
Ajaero urged the Federal Government to return the sector to what he called a social service model, stating that only the government can undertake the heavy capital investments and long-term planning needed for sustainable electricity.
He called for a national stakeholders’ summit involving workers, unions, manufacturers, and experts to develop a roadmap focused on affordable, reliable electricity, reversing privatization, and increasing public investment in infrastructure.
Nigeria has long faced issues with inadequate power generation and frequent system failures, with available supply falling far short of installed capacity. Recently, the Federal Government has announced reform measures aimed at clearing sector debts, improving infrastructure, and moving toward cost-reflective tariffs.
