Mounting frustration among contract staff at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has triggered renewed calls for urgent action from the Federal Government.
A group of young Nigerian professionals, operating under the name The Quintessential Professionals, issued a public statement on the matter in Abuja on Thursday.
They urged the government to end what they described as systemic neglect and exploitation of long-serving contract engineers and technicians at the power firm.
Signed by the group’s President, Adedotun Ojo, and Secretary, Adegboyega Aina, the statement highlighted the alleged plight of hundreds of technical workers who have spent over a decade on third-party contracts without formal employment, job security, or access to basic benefits.
The group claimed that despite past assurances, including directives from former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during his tenure as Acting Chairman of the NDPHC Board, the vast majority of these workers remain in limbo.
They noted that Internal sources estimate that no fewer than 70 of over 400 affected staff have been transitioned into permanent roles.
The disparity in working conditions between office-based administrative staff and technical personnel operating Nigeria’s power infrastructure has become a sore point.
Part of the statement read, “This is about fairness and dignity. “While others enjoy full benefits and pensions, some are out in the field, sometimes in dangerous conditions, without any job security.”
The statement added that workers who participated in multiple interview and screening processes since 2016, continued to face delays in their regularization.
It read, “Some even claim that senior management has gone silent, despite repeated follow-ups.
“They allege that efforts initiated under previous NDPHC leadership were quietly shelved after the transition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration in May 2023.
“Many had hoped that the arrival of a new management team led by Engineer Jennifer Adghijie would bring fresh solutions. More than a year later, however, field workers say they have seen no real change.
“They claimed that their expectations were high, but got disappointed.
“They claimed that they show up every day, do their jobs, keep the grid running, but still get treated like they’re expendable.
“Beyond job security, staff complaints include the absence of career progression, lack of health insurance, irregular tax deductions without proper documentation, and wages that fall far below industry standards.
“The situation is particularly alarming given the technical complexity and national importance of the work these engineers perform.
“They are tasked with operating and maintaining key power generation infrastructure across Nigeria, often under harsh conditions.
“The pay gap between contract and permanent staff has also drawn scrutiny. Field engineers reportedly earn a fraction of what their office-based counterparts take home, even though their responsibilities are often more critical and physically demanding.
“Labour rights advocates are now calling on unions, regulators, and the Federal Government to intervene decisively.
“They warn that continued neglect could destabilize operations at NDPHC facilities and damage morale among skilled workers.
“Some of the grievances stem from specific incidents at power stations like Sapele and Alaoji, where staff say welfare standards are particularly low.
“Yet, no official response has been issued by NDPHC or the Ministry of Power.
“Repeated requests for clarification on staffing policies, employee welfare, and plans for contract staff integration have gone unanswered,” the statement read.
Policy experts see the development as part of a wider issue in Nigeria’s public sector, where contract employment, originally intended as a short-term measure, has become a permanent feature, especially in technical fields.
Olumide Ayodeji, a public sector analyst based in Abuja, emphasized the risks:
He said, “This type of prolonged contracting undermines the professionalism and long-term development of critical infrastructure sectors. It also creates instability.”
As the Tinubu administration pushes for reforms in the power sector, experts believe that resolving staff issues at NDPHC will be vital to building a reliable and sustainable energy system.
Without action, the company risks not only losing skilled personnel but also undermining national goals for energy expansion and industrial growth.
Workers and advocates are now urging the government to scrap the long-standing third-party staffing structure and offer equal terms to technical staff who have already proven their dedication and competence.
For now, the Presidency, the Ministry of Power, and the Bureau of Public
Enterprises have remained silent.
However, time may be running out. For the engineers keeping Nigeria’s lights on, the hope is simple: a fair chance at a dignified career.
