The Nigerian power sector has been thrown into fresh turmoil following the declaration of an indefinite strike by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE). The development, which took effect immediately on Wednesday, has sparked nationwide fears of another prolonged blackout.
The directive, contained in a circular signed by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, mandated electricity workers in all states to completely withdraw their services until management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) meets their demands.
According to NUEE, the strike became inevitable after the expiration of an ultimatum to the TCN management. The union accused the company of deliberately neglecting issues such as poor welfare conditions, non-payment of salaries since April 2025, lack of working tools, and disregard for labour rights.
“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,” the circular read.
In a stronger message, the union added: “We cannot continue to fold our arms while we watch our rights being violated and the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry going down the drain. To this end, the Union is compelled to withdraw its services.”
The demands tabled by the electricity workers include:
Implementation of the National Minimum Wage
Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), last supplied in 2021
Provision of operational vehicles and tools
End to casualisation of workers
Payment of retirement entitlements and other outstanding benefits
This directive of “total compliance” from electricity workers nationwide is expected to cripple the country’s already fragile electricity supply system.
Nigerians recall a similar incident in June 2024 when NUEE shut down operations, plunging most parts of the country into darkness and forcing the Federal Government to engage in last-minute negotiations.
At the time of this report, calls and messages to TCN spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, were not returned.
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