NLC President Condemns Power Minister's Plan to Restructure Transmission Company of Nigeria

 NLC President Condemns Power Minister's Plan to Restructure Transmission Company of Nigeria

In a bold move that has sent ripples through Nigeria's power sector, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has vehemently criticized the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, over proposed plans to restructure the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). Ajaero's critique underscores a deep-seated concern about the potential pitfalls of such a move, drawing attention to the historical challenges and failures that have plagued Nigeria's power sector reforms.

A History of Unfulfilled Promises

The Nigerian power sector has long been a labyrinth of unfulfilled promises and dashed hopes. The proposed restructuring of the TCN is reminiscent of past initiatives that promised transformation but delivered little. Ajaero's apprehension is rooted in the belief that this move might be a déjà vu of previous reforms that left the sector in a state of disarray. He argues that the restructuring could lead to the TCN's eventual takeover by individuals with vested interests, further complicating the nation's electricity challenges.

The Unbundling Debate

The term "unbundling" has become a buzzword in Nigeria's power sector reforms. However, its mention often evokes trepidation among stakeholders. Ajaero points out that past unbundling efforts, particularly in the downstream petroleum sector, have not yielded the desired outcomes. He warns that the current plan to unbundle the TCN could mirror these past failures, leading to increased suffering for Nigerians and further destabilizing the economy.

Privatization: A Double-Edged Sword

The NLC's stance is clear: the privatization of critical national assets, especially in the power sector, has not been beneficial to Nigerians. Ajaero emphasizes that previous privatization efforts have resulted in significant tariff hikes without corresponding improvements in service delivery. He cites instances where, despite a 500% increase in tariffs, there has been no noticeable enhancement in electricity supply. This scenario has left many questioning the efficacy of privatization as a solution to Nigeria's power woes.

A Call for Genuine Stakeholder Engagement

Rather than embarking on another round of restructuring, the NLC advocates for a comprehensive review of past privatization exercises. Ajaero urges President Bola Tinubu to convene a genuine national stakeholders' forum to critically assess the outcomes of previous reforms. Such a forum, he believes, would provide an opportunity to learn from past mistakes and chart a more sustainable path forward for the power sector.

The NLC's position is not merely oppositional but offers a constructive pathway. Ajaero suggests that any move to restructure the TCN should be approached with caution, ensuring that it does not compromise the nation's ability to control and regulate its power infrastructure. He warns that handing over the transmission infrastructure to private entities could expose the nation to undue risks, including potential blackmail and weakened transmission capabilities.

The debate over the proposed restructuring of the Transmission Company of Nigeria highlights the complexities inherent in reforming Nigeria's power sector. While the government, under the leadership of Minister Adebayo Adelabu, may have intentions to align the sector with contemporary demands, the concerns raised by the NLC cannot be ignored. It is imperative for all stakeholders to engage in open dialogue, ensuring that any reforms undertaken are in the best interest of the nation and its citizens.