- NUEE and AUPCTRE demand public hearing on power sector
- Civil society groups challenge electricity privatization failures
- Senate urged to address ongoing national grid collapses
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) have petitioned the Nigerian Senate over the country’s electricity crisis. They were joined by civil society organizations Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) and Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF).
In a letter dated January 27, 2025, addressed to Senate President Dr. Godswill Akpabio, the groups criticized the 2013 electricity sector privatization. They argued that it has failed Nigeria’s over 230 million citizens. Power generation remains inconsistent, fluctuating between 4,000 and 5,800 megawatts. Frequent national grid collapses were also described as a major national embarrassment.
The petitioners raised concerns about rising electricity tariffs and the segmentation of consumers into different bands. They claim this has created an unnecessary class divide. Many Nigerians are now forced to rely on generators, leading to higher financial, environmental, and health costs. The groups demand an immediate public hearing where citizens can share their experiences from 12 years of electricity privatization. They also call for a halt to World Bank and IMF-backed initiatives that prioritize profit over service delivery and human rights. Instead, they advocate for a Public-Public-Partnership model, which they believe is more efficient and transparent.
Additionally, they stress the need for sustained investment in human capital development within the public sector. Regular training and performance-based evaluations for workers are urged to improve efficiency. The petitioners also call for an end to policies that unfairly target workers in government institutions.
