Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-driven demands for government action in addressing citizens’ concerns.
1. Daily Trust: Patients Stranded as Doctors in Lagos Embark on Strike
Healthcare services were paralysed across Lagos State on Monday as doctors under the Medical Guild commenced a three-day warning strike over salary-related grievances.
The Guild, representing doctors employed by the state government, accused the government of “illegal and disrespectful” deductions from their July salaries and the non-payment of 12 months’ arrears owed to honorary consultants under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
Our Take: The Lagos State government must move swiftly to address the concerns raised by the Medical Guild, ensure timely and transparent payment of salaries and arrears, and establish a fair dispute resolution mechanism to prevent future disruptions. Restoring trust between the state and its healthcare workers is essential to safeguarding public health and ensuring that patients are not left stranded in moments of critical need.
2. The Guardian: N4 Trillion Legacy Debt Threatens Power Sector Stability, Adelabu Warns
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has said the sector is facing an existential threat from a N4 trillion debt owed to electricity generation companies (GENCOs), a burden accumulated since 2015 that continues to undermine operational stability and investor confidence.
Our Take: We urge Minister Adelabu to begin taking decisive steps to restore liquidity to the power sector and start driving interventions to resolve gas supply constraints.
3. Punch: Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill: FG May Sell 11 Discos to New Investors
The Federal Government may sell the 11 power distribution companies through a re-privatisation process if the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, currently before the National Assembly, becomes law.
The National Assembly has already initiated a legislative process to enforce sweeping reforms that could see core investors in electricity distribution companies lose their stakes if they fail to improve their investment.
Our Take: The National Assembly and relevant regulatory bodies must ensure that the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, includes clear, enforceable timelines and performance benchmarks for power distribution companies, while also creating a transparent framework for re-privatisation if core investors fail to inject fresh capital and improve service delivery.
