The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu’s claim that 150 million Nigerians now enjoy adequate electricity, calling it “a joke too far.”
In a statement released Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero described the assertion as “outrageous,” adding that it “mocks the daily reality of Nigerians who live in darkness, pay exorbitant tariffs, and endure a broken power sector rigged for private gain.”
“Suggesting that 150 million citizens have steady electricity from just 5,500 megawatts is not just misleading—it’s an insult,” Ajaero said. “By global standards, Nigeria should be generating at least 150,000MW. Instead, we’ve stagnated below 6,000MW for decades.”
The union questioned the infrastructure and data behind the Minister’s claim, demanding answers: “Where are the power plants? Where is the upgraded grid? Why are homes and businesses still in blackout?”
The NLC traced Nigeria’s power crisis to the 2013 privatisation of the sector, calling it a “grand betrayal” that handed critical assets to cronies. Over N4 trillion in subsidies have since been funneled to underperforming DISCOs and GENCOs with no accountability, it noted.
The recent electricity tariff hike, disguised under the Band A, B, and C classification, was described as a “sophisticated scam” forcing millions to choose between food and energy bills, while regulatory officials enrich themselves.
“After over a decade, there’s no expansion, no reform—just exploitation,” Ajaero added. “Now the government wants to sell off the last public asset, the TCN. This is not reform; it’s economic capture.”
The NLC vowed to resist further exploitation and warned it would use all lawful means to expose what it called “organized profiteering disguised as policy.”
“Nigerians deserve more than empty promises and media theatrics. Power should be felt in our homes, not hyped in headlines.”
