Nigeria’s Electricity Sector Crisis: NLC President Joe Ajaero Demands Minister’s Resignation

By Oladeji Olabisi
3 Min Read
NLC President Joe Ajaero

Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has condemned the deepening Nigerian electricity sector crisis, citing repeated national grid collapses, ministerial incompetence, and questionable budget allocations. In a fiery statement, Ajaero called for the immediate resignation of Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, accusing him of failing to address systemic failures.

Repeated Grid Collapses Highlight Ministerial Incompetence

Ajaero highlighted the constant collapse of Nigeria’s national power grid as proof of the Ministry’s ineptitude. “If competent officials managed the Ministry of Power, these embarrassing grid failures would be resolved,” he stated. He criticized the Minister’s recent remark that grid collapses “will continue,” calling it a “clear admission of failure.”

The NLC President noted that Nigeria’s power grid has collapsed more times under the current administration than in previous decades combined. “Nigerians deserve seriousness, not excuses,” he asserted.

Budget Mismanagement in the Power Sector

Ajaero also slammed the Ministry’s N80 billion budget proposal for “energy transition” initiatives, arguing it prioritizes frivolous spending over critical debts. Contractors in the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) are owed over N200 billion, yet the Ministry seeks N8 billion to “teach Nigerians how to pay electricity bills.”

“Why allocate billions for vague projects while contractors and workers suffer?” Ajaero questioned. He credited unions for intervening in December 2023 to halt additional wasteful contracts.

NERC’s Failure to Regulate

The National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) faces sharp criticism for neglecting its mandate under the Electricity Act 2023. Despite legal authority to protect consumers, NERC has allowed erratic tariffs and poor service delivery. “NERC’s inaction worsens the Nigerian electricity sector crisis,” Ajaero said.

Ajaero’s Full Statement

In his words:

“If the Ministry of Power is manned by competent officials, the now embarrassing constant grid collapse would have been averted… We believe this is a clear admission of incapacity. Those responsible must resign.
“Public funds cannot be wasted in the name of governance. Incompetence must not be rewarded.”

Read more about Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2023 here

The Path Forward

The Nigerian electricity sector crisis demands urgent action:

  1. Accountability: Replace officials unable to address grid instability.
  2. Debt Clearance: Prioritize paying owed contractors to boost infrastructure.
  3. Regulatory Reform: Strengthen NERC to enforce consumer protections.

Ajaero warned: “We will not stand idle while greed and incompetence destroy Nigeria’s power future.”

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