More darkness loom as NUEE again threatens to shut down national grid

….of what benefit is privatisation if we still generate same 5,000mgws years after?

By allcitynews.ng

Again, following the expiration of the two-week ultimatum, organised labour in electricity sector under the umbrella of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened to shut down the national grid if the Federal Government fails to honour its demands soon again.

Reiterating the threat, NUEE maintained that the two-week ultimatum given to resolve the crisis has elapsed.

The zonal organizing secretary, North West of NUEE, Comrade Dukat Ayuba noted that while the negotiation is ongoing, the shutting down of the national grid still hangs.

Ayuba lamented the so-called privatisation of the sector was a scam because nine years after being taken over by investors, nothing has changed.

“That was why we kicked against privitasing the distribution sector because the investors don’t have the capacity and expertise. As committed Nigerians, we advised the government against it. But the government was hell-bent on doing so.

“The investors are still operating with obsolete equipment dating back to 35, 40, and 50 years. One will expect that with the coming of the investors they will replace this obsolete equipment but nothing has been done.”

According to the union leader, the nation still generates 5,000 megawatts of electricity, saying ”this is the same 5,000 megawatts we used to generate. So what is the benefit of privatization?

“We now generate megawatts with higher tariffs. Bringing hardships to the homes of millions of Nigerians. This will only happen in Nigeria,” he stressed.

A member of the Central Executive Committee, Wisdom Nwachukwu, noted the Federal Government wants to sell the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

“They are going behind meeting with some stakeholders. We are watching them. We will not allow that. We are patriotic Nigerians who want the best for our country.”

Vice President North West, NUEE Ado Gaya revealed that the 16-month demand by the electricity workers is their legitimate earnings involving 55,000 workers.

However, he said nine years after, the workers have not received a dime, saying, many of the workers have died while those who were laid off are sufferings with their families.