FG’s N8bn Electricity Bill Sensitisation, Reeks Of Insensitivity, Corruption, Arrogance – NLC
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), has declared that the N8 billion proposal by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu to sensitize Nigerians who are already struggling with exorbitant electricity tariffs, reeks of arrogance, corruption and insensitivity especially with millions grappling with poverty and runaway inflation.
The organised Labour stressed that the N8bn allocation has fueled suspicions of corruption and financial recklessness, and therefore urged the National Assembly to reject the proposal and hold power sector managers accountable.
The NLC in a statement by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero also said that the development is a slap in the face of hardworking citizens, stressing that it is a glaring contradiction to allocate public funds to educate Nigerians on paying bills to private electricity companies while grid failures persist and service delivery worsens.
The NLC President said that instead of ensuring steady electricity, the Minister of Power prefer to teach Nigerians how to pay for darkness, saying that governance should be about reducing hardship and not compounding it.
Ajaero specifically said that the proposed allocation of N8bn for electricity bill sensitisation was unnecessary and insensitive expenditure.
The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu had during the 2025 budget defence at the National Assembly said that N8bn has been allocated for sensitization on payment of bills, a development that sparked criticism amid grid failures and economic woes in the country.
However, the NLC expressed disappointment at the priorities of the Ministry of Power under Adebayo Adelabu, adding that while contractors in the Transmission Company of Nigeria are owed over N200bn and critical infrastructure in the sector remains neglected, the minister is more concerned with sensitization of bills payment for private companies.
The NLC noted a recent incident in which a Managing Director of one of the DISCOS was allegedly sacked for whistleblowing, stressing that NERC failed to intervene.
Ajaero said; “The Electricity Act of 2023 granted the National Electricity Regulatory Commission significant powers to regulate the sector, yet the commission has faced accusations of inefficiency and collusion with unethical practices.
“We have a regulator that punishes whistleblowing rather than protecting transparency. We demand a comprehensive audit of the power sector’s finances and budget.
“Public outrage has also centred on the perception of misplaced priorities within the sector. Critics argue that the Ministry of Power should prioritize resolving grid collapses and expanding electricity access rather than frivolous spending.
“The national grid has reportedly collapsed more times under the current administration than in previous leadership eras combined.
“Sensitisation campaigns should not cost a fraction of this amount, especially when schools are underfunded, hospitals lack basic equipment, and infrastructure is in disrepair,” the NLC President stressed.
Ajaero noted that the proposed spending has become emblematic of broader concerns about governance in Nigeria, with many Nigerians questioning the commitment of officials to addressing critical challenges.
The NLC President said that as the nation awaits the National Assembly’s decision, citizens and advocacy groups are closely monitoring developments and preparing to push back against perceived misgovernance.
