Workers within the power sector have expressed grave concerns regarding the proposed unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), citing potential sector collapse and national security risks.
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has called upon the National Assembly and the Nigerian populace to oppose the unbundling to avert the impending crisis in the power sector and safeguard national security.
In a formal communication to the Minister of Power, NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, and others highlighted their alarm at NERC’s planned TCN unbundling, emphasizing the significant implications for the nation’s electricity supply industry.
The stakeholders expressed dismay over the swift decision to restructure the sub-sector and pave the way for eventual privatization, citing past deregulation failures that have led to unproductivity and adverse outcomes.
They criticized the prospect of privatizing critical national economic assets to private entities, noting the lack of tangible improvements in power supply, expansion, or investments since the sector’s privatization over a decade ago.
The petition underscored the need for a genuine consultation with stakeholders to address the sector’s challenges and cautioned against privatizing TCN, which could jeopardize national interests and exacerbate existing issues.
Emphasizing the importance of access to electricity, fair billing practices, and widespread metering, the petition urged NERC to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians and enhance the efficiency of the electricity sector.
The workers called for a reversal of the unbundling directive, advocating for a comprehensive evaluation process involving all stakeholders to facilitate positive transformation within the sector and ensure equitable electricity provision for all citizens.
