The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an urgent and comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s troubled power sector, warning that persistent blackouts are crippling economic productivity and worsening the living conditions of citizens.
In a strongly worded position, the labour body expressed deep concern over what it described as the continued paralysis of the electricity industry, stressing that the current structure has failed to deliver reliable power despite years of reforms and privatisation efforts. The NLC argued that erratic electricity supply has not only burdened households but also forced businesses to rely heavily on costly alternative energy sources, thereby stifling growth and job creation.
Central to the union’s demand is the establishment of a single, unified energy ministry to coordinate policy direction and eliminate what it sees as overlapping responsibilities among existing agencies. According to the NLC, the fragmentation of regulatory and operational oversight has contributed significantly to inefficiencies and lack of accountability within the sector.
The Congress further urged the Federal Government to take decisive action in addressing systemic challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, poor investment frameworks, and regulatory bottlenecks. It maintained that without a clear and coordinated strategy, efforts to achieve stable and affordable electricity would remain elusive.
While reiterating its commitment to advocating for workers and the broader Nigerian populace, the NLC emphasised that access to reliable power is fundamental to national development. It called on relevant authorities to treat the situation as a matter of urgency, warning that continued inaction could further deepen economic hardship and public frustration.
The labour union concluded by insisting that only bold structural reforms, backed by strong political will, can restore confidence in the power sector and deliver sustainable energy solutions for Nigeria.
