“Proposing N8bn to Sensitize Nigerians is a Slap in the Face” – NLC President

• NLC has condemned the Federal Government’s proposed allocation of N8bn for electricity bill sensitization.

• Joe Ajaero described the allocation as “unnecessary and insensitive expenditure,

• He criticized the Ministry of Power’s priorities.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the Federal Government’s proposed allocation of N8bn for electricity bill sensitization.

NLC President Joe Ajaero described the allocation as “unnecessary and insensitive expenditure.”

Ajaero highlighted that contractors in the Transmission Company of Nigeria are owed over N200bn, while critical infrastructure in the sector remains neglected.

“Proposing N8bn to sensitize Nigerians already struggling with exorbitant electricity tariffs is a slap in the face of hardworking citizens,” he said.

The NLC President also pointed to the contradiction in allocating funds to educate Nigerians on paying bills to private electricity companies while grid failures persist and service delivery worsens.

“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.

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.

Ajaero called for a comprehensive audit of the power sector’s finances and budget.

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Public outrage has centered 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.

The N8bn allocation has fueled suspicions of corruption and financial recklessness, with labor leaders urging the National Assembly to reject the proposal and hold power sector managers accountable.

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