Nationwide Electricity Workers Strike Threatens Extended Blackouts Amid Unresolved Labor Disputes.
By Our Correspondent.
Electricity consumers across Nigeria are facing the prospect of a prolonged blackout as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) initiated a nationwide strike on Wednesday.
The action, prompted by ongoing labor disputes with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has resulted in workers withdrawing their services indefinitely until the management addresses critical welfare and operational issues.
In a formal communication signed by Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, NUEE outlined the reasons behind the strike, citing TCN’s failure to address several grievances, including inadequate staff welfare, lack of essential tools, and infringement of workers’ rights.
The union stated, “Unfortunately, the TCN management has decided to handle these issues with kid gloves and with a lack of regard for the hardworking staff of TCN.”
NUEE’s demands include the implementation of the National Minimum Wage, an end to the casualization of workers, provision of necessary working tools and operational vehicles, payment of overdue salaries since April 2025, and overdue retirement benefits, along with adequate Personal Protective Equipment last provided in 2021.
The directive for “total compliance” takes immediate effect, raising alarms over potential widespread power outages reminiscent of previous disruptions.
NUEE previously halted operations in June 2024, leading to significant power supply challenges across various states and prompting emergency negotiations from the Federal Government.
Attempts to reach TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah for comments were unsuccessful, leaving stakeholders concerned about the implications of the strike on the already struggling electricity supply in Nigeria.
The development occurs against a backdrop of persistent government assurances to reform a power sector plagued by low generation capacity and inadequate infrastructure, despite ongoing privatization efforts and interventions.
