Nigeria is facing a looming nationwide blackout following the commencement of an indefinite strike by electricity workers under the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE). The strike, which began on Wednesday, is in response to unresolved issues bordering on staff welfare, unpaid salaries, and poor working conditions in the electricity sector.
The industrial action was announced in a notice signed by the Acting General Secretary of NUEE, Dominic Igwebike, who said the union was forced to withdraw its services after the expiration of an ultimatum issued to the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
According to the union, the strike action became necessary after repeated efforts to resolve critical welfare issues affecting workers were ignored by TCN management.
“It is unfortunate that the TCN Management has decided to handle these issues with kid gloves and a lack of regard for the hard-working staff of TCN,” the statement read.
“We cannot continue to fold our arms while we watch our rights being vehemently violated and the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) going down the drain. To this end, the union is compelled to withdraw its services.”
The union has directed all its members across the country to comply with the strike immediately and remain off duty until management meets its demands.
The union listed several issues as the basis for the industrial action, including:
Non-implementation of the National Minimum Wage
Casualisation of workers
Non-provision of tools and safety materials
Non-payment of salaries since April 2025
Lack of operational vehicles
Absence of personal protective equipment (PPEs) since 2021
Problems related to the unbundling of TCN
Non-payment of retirement benefits
NUEE said the situation had reached a breaking point as workers continue to face hardship and insecurity while their legitimate entitlements are ignored.
“It is a shame that in 2025, workers are still being owed salaries for several months, and basic tools and PPEs have not been provided since 2021. How are workers expected to function in such poor conditions?” the union questioned.
The strike is expected to significantly disrupt power supply nationwide, as TCN is the key agency responsible for transmitting electricity from generation companies to distribution companies across the country.
In a similar action in June 2024, electricity workers also downed tools, leading to a temporary collapse in power supply in several states. Industry observers fear that the current action may cause an even greater disruption, especially if it lasts for an extended period.
At the time of filing this report, the spokesperson for TCN, Ndidi Mbah, has yet to issue an official response to the strike action.
The Nigerian power sector has long struggled with poor infrastructure, funding challenges, and frequent labour disputes. Despite several reforms and privatisation efforts in recent years, the sector remains plagued by inefficiency, corruption, and underinvestment.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria, though still government-owned, plays a central role in the country’s electricity supply chain. Any disruption to its operations has a direct impact on millions of households and businesses.
Despite the tough tone of the strike notice, NUEE said it remains open to dialogue but insists that TCN management must first show serious commitment to resolving the issues.
“We are not happy to take this step, but it has become necessary,” Igwebike said. “This is not just about salaries. It is about respect, dignity, and the right to work in a safe and fair environment.”
The union called on the federal government, the Ministry of Power, and relevant agencies to intervene immediately to prevent further damage to the already fragile power supply situation in the country.
