The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed as false a recent claim by the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, that 150 million Nigerians now have adequate access to electricity with the country generating 5,500 megawatts (MW) of power.
In a strongly worded statement issued by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC said the reality on the ground tells a different story, with millions of Nigerians still grappling with poor power supply, widespread blackouts, and exorbitant electricity tariffs.
Ajaero noted that Nigeria currently struggles to generate an inconsistent average of 5,000MW—far below the international benchmark of 1,000MW per one million people. According to him, for a population exceeding 200 million, Nigeria should be producing no less than 150,000MW to meet basic electricity demands.
“The truth is that millions of Nigerians, from urban slums to rural villages, continue to live in darkness without reliable access to power,” Ajaero stated.
He further criticized the power distribution companies (DISCOs), accusing them of collecting over N700 billion from consumers while failing to provide stable electricity services.
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for reforms in the power sector and called for the restoration of equity, fairness, and accountability to improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
