End the Blackouts Now: NLC Urges Tinubu Government to Create Single Energy Ministry!

Reported by Marian opeyemi fasesan, Editor-in-chief | Journalist at Sele Media Africa

Nigeria’s deepening electricity crisis has taken centre stage once again as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) ramps up pressure on the federal government, calling for sweeping structural reforms to end persistent blackouts and sector inefficiencies.

In a bold policy recommendation, the labour union urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to merge the Ministries of Power and Petroleum Resources into a single Ministry of Energy—a move it believes could fundamentally transform the country’s struggling electricity system.

The NLC argued that the current fragmented structure has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s unreliable power supply. With most of the nation’s electricity generated by gas-fired plants, the lack of coordination between the power and petroleum sectors continues to disrupt generation and distribution nationwide.

According to the union, a unified Ministry of Energy would enable a more coordinated and strategic approach to managing Nigeria’s vast energy resources. It would also ensure that gas supply for power generation is prioritised, reducing the frequency of grid collapses and prolonged outages affecting millions of Nigerians.

The call comes amid growing frustration over worsening electricity supply despite repeated government interventions and financial bailouts. The NLC strongly criticised the proposed ₦6 trillion bailout for power generation companies (GENCOs), warning that such measures have historically failed to deliver meaningful improvements.

Labour leaders insist that injecting more funds into a structurally weak system will not solve the crisis. Instead, they argue that only comprehensive reforms—beginning with institutional restructuring—can address the root causes of Nigeria’s energy challenges.

The union further highlighted the economic consequences of unreliable electricity, noting that businesses and households are increasingly forced to depend on costly alternatives such as diesel and petrol generators. This reliance has significantly increased the cost of living and doing business, placing additional strain on workers and small enterprises.

In its position, the NLC maintained that energy reform is not just a technical issue but a national economic priority. A stable and efficient power sector, it said, is essential for industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable development across Africa’s largest economy.

Analysts say the proposal to create a single Ministry of Energy represents one of the most ambitious reform ideas in recent years. If implemented, it could streamline policy direction, improve accountability, and accelerate long-overdue changes in the sector.

However, the recommendation is expected to generate debate within policy circles, as merging ministries would require significant political will and institutional adjustments. For now, the federal government has yet to formally respond to the proposal.

What remains clear is that pressure is mounting. With Nigerians enduring persistent outages and rising tariffs, the demand for decisive action is growing louder—and the NLC’s latest intervention signals that labour is prepared to push for bold, systemic change.

Sources

Vanguard Nigeria; The Nation Nigeria; PM News Nigeria; Tribune Online Nigeria; The Sun Nigeria; TVC News Nigeria.

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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