NLC Pushes for Unified Energy Ministry, Rejects ₦6 Trillion GENCO Bailout

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has renewed its call for far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s energy sector, urging the Federal Government to merge the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources into a single Ministry of Energy as part of efforts to address the country’s persistent electricity crisis.

In a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the labour union described the current structure of Nigeria’s energy governance as fragmented and inefficient, arguing that it has contributed to decades of underperformance in power generation, electricity distribution, and energy management.

The NLC also rejected the proposed ₦6 trillion bailout for power generation companies (GENCOs), describing it as a short-term fix that fails to address the deeper structural problems plaguing the sector. According to the union, repeated financial interventions without systemic reform risk perpetuating inefficiencies and rewarding poor performance.

The union maintained that Nigeria’s energy challenges are interconnected, particularly in the area of gas supply, which is critical to thermal power plants that generate a significant portion of the country’s electricity. It argued that separating power and petroleum oversight into different ministries creates coordination gaps that hinder effective planning and implementation.

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By advocating for a unified Ministry of Energy, the NLC said government would be better positioned to coordinate policies across the entire energy value chain—from upstream petroleum production to electricity generation and distribution—under a single institutional framework.

The labour body further argued that a consolidated ministry would improve accountability by ensuring that one authority is responsible for outcomes in the sector, rather than the current situation where responsibilities are divided and often result in blame-shifting between agencies.

The NLC also emphasized the importance of prioritizing domestic energy needs, stating that Nigeria’s abundant gas resources should be directed primarily toward powering industries and households rather than being exported or underutilized. It added that better utilization of these resources would support industrial growth, job creation, and broader economic development.

On electricity pricing, the union criticized the current tariff structure, particularly the cost-reflective tariff model, arguing that it places an unfair burden on consumers. It called for a more balanced approach that ensures Nigerians pay fair rates for actual service delivery rather than inefficiencies within the system.

The NLC also expressed concern over what it described as the failure of Nigeria’s electricity privatization model introduced in 2013. It argued that the privatization of the power sector has not delivered the expected improvements in reliability and access, citing persistent outages, infrastructure deficits, and high costs.

In addition, the union called for the suspension of the proposed GENCO bailout and urged the Federal Government to instead convene a national stakeholders’ summit. The proposed summit, according to the NLC, should focus on developing a comprehensive energy reform roadmap that prioritizes public interest, transparency, and sustainable investment in power infrastructure.

Nigeria’s power sector continues to face major challenges, including inadequate generation capacity, weak transmission networks, frequent grid collapses, and inconsistent gas supply. These issues have contributed to unreliable electricity access for millions of households and businesses across the country.

The NLC maintained that a unified approach to energy governance would help streamline decision-making, improve efficiency, and strengthen long-term planning. It insisted that energy should be treated as a critical public resource essential to national development rather than a purely commercial commodity.

The union concluded by urging the Federal Government to act decisively in restructuring the sector, warning that without bold reforms, Nigeria’s energy crisis will continue to hinder economic progress and worsen living conditions for citizens.

NLC Pushes for Unified Energy Ministry, Rejects ₦6 Trillion GENCO Bailout

Over 150 Bandits Reportedly Die in Sokoto Water Accident

No fewer than 150 suspected bandits are feared dead following a tragic boat accident in Sokoto State, which occurred in the Sabon Gida area of Sokoto State during a water crossing on Saturday evening.

According to local informants who spoke to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the group of armed men was traveling across a water body when the boat suddenly capsized mid-journey, throwing all occupants into the water.

The vessel was reportedly carrying a large number of individuals, believed to be members of a bandit group operating in Nigeria’s North-West, when the incident occurred. Preliminary information suggests that the boat may have been overloaded, a common factor in maritime accidents in rural and riverine communities.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that many of the passengers were unable to swim, leading to a high number of casualties. Sources added that the situation quickly turned chaotic as those on board struggled to survive after the boat overturned.

“Preliminary information suggests that many of them could not swim, leading to heavy casualties,” a source disclosed.

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Early reports suggest that none of the occupants survived the incident, although this has not been officially confirmed by security agencies or emergency response authorities at the time of filing this report.

If verified, the incident would represent a significant loss for armed groups operating in the region and could impact the structure and movement of criminal networks in parts of the North-West security corridor, where banditry and kidnapping have remained persistent challenges.

The North-West region has witnessed sustained insecurity over the years, with armed groups often exploiting difficult terrain, including forests and waterways, to evade security forces. Water crossings, while sometimes necessary for movement, are considered risky due to limited safety measures and lack of proper transport regulation.

Boat accidents are also not uncommon in Nigeria, particularly in remote communities where waterways serve as essential transport routes. Experts often attribute such tragedies to overloading, poor vessel maintenance, absence of life jackets, and weak enforcement of safety standards.

As of now, there has been no official confirmation from relevant authorities regarding the exact number of casualties or the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigations are expected to provide further clarity as security agencies and local officials assess the situation.

The development adds another dimension to ongoing concerns about both insecurity in Sokoto State and the safety of informal transportation systems used in rural parts of the country.

Over 150 Bandits Reportedly Die in Sokoto Water Accident

‘Thunder Will Strike’ — Portable’s Political Message Sparks Backlash

Controversial street-hop singer Portable, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, has ignited fresh political debate after issuing a strong warning to Yoruba voters ahead of the next general elections, urging them to support Bola Tinubu or face what he described as spiritual consequences.

In a video that has gone viral across social media platforms, the “Zazu” crooner openly declared his support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition while warning that any Yoruba person who refuses to vote for the President could face divine punishment.

Portable, known for his controversial public statements, invoked traditional beliefs during his remarks, referencing deities such as Ogun while addressing his audience. His comments have since triggered mixed reactions, with many describing the statement as extreme and inappropriate in a democratic setting.

“We need peace, we want peace. If you don’t want war in Nigeria, you better vote for Tinubu. Thunder and Ogun will strike any Yoruba man who doesn’t,” he said in the video.

The singer also claimed he had been engaged by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to mobilise grassroots support for the President, adding that he had already received party-branded materials.

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According to him, plans are underway to begin political mobilisation at the community level, including the distribution of food items such as rice and vegetable oil to attract voters.

His comments have sparked widespread criticism online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the use of spiritual threats in political messaging. Critics argue that such rhetoric could promote fear, deepen political divisions, and undermine democratic values.

Political observers have also cautioned against the growing trend of entertainers playing active roles in partisan politics, especially when their influence is used to push coercive or emotionally charged narratives.

However, some supporters dismissed Portable’s remarks as part of his usual dramatic style, noting that the singer is known for making exaggerated statements to draw attention.

As of now, there has been no official response from the APC regarding Portable’s claim that he was engaged by the party for mobilisation.

The development highlights the increasing intersection of entertainment and politics in Nigeria, where celebrities continue to shape public discourse, particularly among young voters on social media.

‘Thunder Will Strike’ — Portable’s Political Message Sparks Backlash