The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to resign following repeated national grid failures. In a statement released late Tuesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed concern over the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s electricity sector, describing it as nearing total collapse. Ajaero criticized the minister’s handling of the crisis, stating that the frequency of grid collapses under his leadership surpasses that of previous administrations combined.
Ajaero condemned the proposed ₦8 billion allocation in the 2025 budget for “sensitizing Nigerians on paying electricity bills,” labeling it a misplaced priority. He argued that such funds should instead address critical infrastructure needs, especially as contractors for the Transmission Company of Nigeria are owed over ₦200 billion. He also criticized the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for failing to regulate effectively, citing allegations of unethical practices and whistleblower suppression within the commission.
The NLC warned that continued negligence in addressing these challenges would further erode public confidence in governance. Ajaero emphasized the need for urgent reforms to avert the sector’s total collapse, adding that the union would closely monitor developments and resist wasteful expenditures disguised as governance. He called for accountability and urged the government to prioritize competency and transparency in revitalizing the power sector.