Ajaero Critiques Power Sector Reform, Calls for Review

On February 16, 2026, Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), expressed strong criticism of Nigeria's power sector reform during the annual Women and Youth Conference in Abuja. He stated that Nigerians are "paying for darkness," highlighting the failure of electricity privatization to improve supply and instead deepening energy poverty.

Ajaero pointed out that the electricity generation remains stagnant at approximately 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts, with frequent grid failures leading to nationwide blackouts. He described the privatization as a "grand deception," alleging that public assets were handed over to investors lacking the necessary technical expertise and financial strength.

Ajaero also criticized the heavy financial burden placed on consumers due to rising tariffs without guaranteed stable power supply. He called for a comprehensive review of the electricity sector and a national stakeholders' summit to develop a people-centered roadmap focused on affordable tariffs and stronger public investment in electricity infrastructure.