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Nigerians could experience renewed power disruptions as electricity workers under the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) launched an indefinite strike on Wednesday over long-standing welfare grievances.
The union announced its decision after the expiration of its ultimatum to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), accusing management of neglecting workers’ rights and failing to address critical issues affecting staff welfare and industry operations.
In a statement signed by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the union cited multiple grievances, including the non-implementation of the national minimum wage, casualisation of staff, non-payment of salaries since April 2025, and lack of essential working tools.
“It is regrettable that TCN management continues to treat matters affecting the workforce with indifference,” Igwebike said.
“Electricity workers cannot keep silent while their rights are ignored and the entire power sector is left to deteriorate.”
The strike notice also highlighted the absence of operational vehicles, the non-provision of personal protective equipment since 2021, and the failure to settle retirement benefits.
NUEE argued that these conditions have endangered workers and worsened inefficiencies in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Union leaders insisted that the industrial action was not just about welfare but also about safeguarding the stability of the power sector.
“We are compelled to act because allowing this neglect to continue will push NESI to the point of collapse,” the statement read.
The directive, which took immediate effect, instructed electricity workers nationwide to withdraw their services until management addresses their concerns.
Power sector analysts fear that the strike could result in nationwide blackouts if prolonged.
This is not the first time NUEE has resorted to industrial action. In June 2024, a similar strike crippled electricity supply across the country, leaving millions of Nigerians in darkness for days.
Electricity consumers and businesses, already grappling with high tariffs and unreliable supply, now face the possibility of fresh disruptions.
Many have expressed frustration, urging the federal government and TCN to intervene swiftly.
“Any prolonged shutdown will hit small businesses the hardest,” said Lagos-based entrepreneur, Chika Nwosu. “Government must resolve this before it causes more economic hardship.”
As of press time, TCN has yet to issue a response to the union’s strike notice.