NLC Slams N8bn Allocation for Electricity Bill Sensitisation

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the Federal Government’s proposed allocation of N8 billion for a sensitisation campaign on electricity bills, calling it an unnecessary and insensitive expenditure. The criticism comes amid ongoing electricity grid failures and widespread economic difficulties faced by Nigerians.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed deep disappointment at the priorities of the Ministry of Power. He pointed out that contractors in the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) are owed over N200 billion, and critical infrastructure within the sector remains in dire need of attention.

“Proposing N8bn to sensitize Nigerians already struggling 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 grappling with poverty and runaway inflation.”

Ajaero further criticized the government’s plan, highlighting the paradox of allocating significant funds to educate citizens on paying bills to private electricity companies while the country continues to experience frequent grid collapses and worsening service delivery.

“Instead of ensuring steady electricity, they want to teach us how to pay for darkness. Governance should be about reducing hardship, not compounding it,” Ajaero added.

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The NLC president also expressed concerns about the performance of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which has faced accusations of inefficiency and unethical practices. He mentioned a recent incident where a DISCO managing director was allegedly dismissed for whistleblowing, with NERC failing to take action.

Public outrage has focused on what many perceive as misplaced priorities in the power sector. Critics argue that the Ministry of Power should be focused on resolving grid failures and expanding electricity access rather than spending public funds on what is seen as a frivolous campaign.

With the national grid experiencing more collapses under the current administration than in previous years combined, the NLC and other stakeholders are calling for a full audit of the sector’s finances and budget. They urge the National Assembly to reject the N8 billion proposal and hold power sector managers accountable for the ongoing issues.

Ajaero further pointed out that the proposed sensitisation spending could be better utilized in addressing the country’s pressing infrastructure needs, such as in schools, hospitals, and roads, which are currently underfunded and neglected.

“The proposed spending is emblematic of broader concerns about governance in Nigeria, with many citizens questioning the commitment of officials to addressing critical challenges,” Ajaero concluded.