The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦3 trillion bailout for privately owned electricity generation companies (GENCOs), describing the move as economically unsound and inconsistent with public interest.
In a statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the labour body insisted that the state should reassume a leading role in driving the power sector. The NLC argued that the planned intervention raises serious concerns, particularly given the circumstances surrounding the privatisation of the sector.
The congress noted that the entire power sector assets were reportedly sold for about ₦400 billion, questioning the rationale behind a proposed ₦3 trillion bailout for the same generation companies. According to the NLC, the GENCOs have not significantly improved generation capacity beyond pre-privatisation levels.
It further criticised the position of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), describing its response to organised labour as self-serving and dismissive of legitimate concerns.
The NLC maintained that electricity should be treated as a social service rather than a profit-driven commodity. It also rejected what it described as demands for ₦6 trillion by operators in the sector, warning that Nigerians should not bear the burden of inefficiencies within the industry.
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Responding to comments attributed to the APGC in a February 17, 2026 statement, the labour body defended its stance, reiterating that the privatisation of the power sector failed to deliver the expected improvements in service delivery.
The development adds to ongoing debates over the future of Nigeria’s electricity sector, as stakeholders continue to weigh options for addressing persistent power supply challenges.
