The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal government to launch a full audit of the power sector and overhaul its privatisation model following Wednesday’s nationwide grid collapse.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said Nigerians can no longer endure what he described as “man-made blackouts” that cripple homes, businesses and industries across the country. He argued that the trillions of naira already pumped into the sector have yielded little progress.
“Since the government has N4 trillion to invest in the sector, we suggest that the funds must be redirected towards a public-led initiative to build new generation capacity and revitalise the transmission infrastructure instead of handing it over to the generation companies (Gencos) and distribution companies (Discos),” Ajaero said in a strongly worded statement.
The labour leader stressed that subsidies for privatised electricity firms must end, insisting that public funds should instead drive fresh investment in generation and transmission. “This is not a plea; it is a declaration of intent. The light must come on, by any means necessary,” he added.
The collapse occurred at 11:20 a.m. after a generating plant tripped, triggering a chain reaction across facilities nationwide, according to the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO). By the onset of the blackout, Ibadan Disco was left with just 20 MW, while most others recorded zero supply.
Restoration efforts began at 11:45 a.m. with supply from Shiroro Power Plant, gradually lifting national output to 1,583 MW by 8:21 p.m. Abuja Disco received 243 MW, Ikeja 239 MW, and Eko 204 MW, though many customers remained without electricity through the night.
Distribution companies, including Abuja, Ikeja, and Kano, quickly notified customers of extensive outages. Kano Disco appealed for patience during restoration and urged citizens to safeguard installations from vandals during the blackout.
The NLC insists the latest collapse proves that privatisation has failed, urging a “fundamental review” to restore stability in a sector seen as vital to Nigeria’s economic growth and public welfare.
