NLC Slams N8bn Electricity Sensitisation Plan as Misplaced Priority
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticised the Federal Government’s proposed allocation of ₦8 billion for electricity bill sensitisation, labelling it an extravagant and insensitive use of public funds. The controversy follows Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu’s defence of the allocation during the 2025 budget presentation to the National Assembly.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, in a statement on Tuesday, condemned the plan, highlighting the dire state of the power sector, where contractors of the Transmission Company of Nigeria are owed over ₦200 billion and critical infrastructure remains neglected.
“Proposing ₦8 billion to sensitise Nigerians already grappling with exorbitant electricity tariffs is a slap in the face of hardworking citizens,” Ajaero said. “This reeks of arrogance and insensitivity, especially when millions are battling poverty and runaway inflation.”
A Widening Disconnect
Ajaero underscored the contradiction of spending billions to educate Nigerians on paying bills to private electricity companies while grid failures and poor service delivery persist.
“Instead of ensuring steady electricity, they want to teach us how to pay for darkness. Governance should be about reducing hardship, not compounding it,” he added.
The labour leader also criticised the inefficiency of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which was empowered by the Electricity Act of 2023 to regulate the sector. Ajaero pointed to allegations of unethical practices, including a recent case where a DISCO managing director was allegedly dismissed for whistleblowing, with NERC failing to intervene.
“We have a regulator that punishes transparency rather than protecting it,” Ajaero said, calling for a comprehensive audit of the power sector’s finances.
Public Outcry and Corruption Allegations
The ₦8 billion allocation has sparked widespread public outrage, with critics accusing the Ministry of Power of misplaced priorities. Observers argue that addressing persistent grid collapses and expanding electricity access should take precedence over non-essential spending.
Reports suggest that the national grid has collapsed more frequently under the current administration than during previous ones, exacerbating the frustrations of ordinary Nigerians.
Labour leaders have called on the National Assembly to reject the allocation and demand accountability from power sector managers. They have also urged an independent audit to expose potential mismanagement of funds.
“Sensitisation campaigns should not cost a fraction of this amount, especially when schools are underfunded, hospitals lack essential equipment, and infrastructure is crumbling,” Ajaero said.
Broader Governance Concerns
The controversy has reignited debates over governance in Nigeria, with many questioning the government’s commitment to tackling critical challenges.
“This proposed spending is emblematic of the broader issues of misgovernance. Nigerians deserve leaders who prioritise their needs, not frivolous expenditures,” Ajaero said.
As the National Assembly reviews the proposal, advocacy groups and citizens alike are closely watching, prepared to resist what they perceive as a blatant disregard for the nation’s pressing problems.
