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The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has issued a scathing condemnation of Nigeria’s power sector privatization, calling it a “colossal misstep” that has plunged millions of households into darkness and economic despair.

In a statement released Tuesday and signed by Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP’s National Secretary, the group criticized the privatization exercise as a “deeply flawed and hastily executed” process that handed the nation’s power assets to “inexperienced and ill-equipped” companies. Rather than improving efficiency, CUPP argues that privatization has worsened the sector’s inefficiencies, entrenched waste, and created a bloated bureaucracy that diverts critical funds away from infrastructure development and service delivery.

Comparing historical data, the coalition noted that before privatization in 2009, the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), later Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), generated 3,800 megawatts of electricity under a single managing director. Today, despite being divided into 25 separate entities, the sector barely produces 5,400 megawatts, under the leadership of over 25 managing directors and more than 100 executive directors.

“This is nothing less than a brazen looting of national resources,” the statement read, accusing sector executives of living lavishly while Nigerians endure unreliable power supply, exorbitant tariffs, and worsening living conditions.

CUPP also lambasted recent electricity tariff hikes, describing them as a “predatory” measure that burdens households and small businesses already struggling under erratic power supply. “Families are being forced to sacrifice essentials like food, education, and healthcare just to keep the lights on,” the coalition said.

The group dismissed claims of illiquidity by power distribution companies as “a flimsy excuse” to mask gross mismanagement, stating that the sector’s meager growth of just 42% over 16 years does not justify the exorbitant administrative costs now imposed on Nigerians.

CUPP called for an immediate forensic audit of all privatized entities, the reversal of unjustified tariff increases, and a moratorium on further hikes until tangible improvements in power generation and distribution are achieved. It also urged the government to hold the privatized companies accountable, and if necessary, to reverse aspects of the privatization process to protect the welfare of Nigerian citizens.

“The Nigerian people deserve better. Enough is enough,” the coalition declared.

The CUPP’s strong rebuke adds to growing public frustration over Nigeria’s struggling power sector, which remains a major obstacle to the country’s economic growth and quality of life.

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