In the upcoming days, Nigerians may experience power shortages as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) initiated a strike on Wednesday due to the non-fulfillment of the national minimum wage, the casualization of employees, and other lingering issues.
This industrial action was detailed in a statement signed by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, on Wednesday. The union indicated that its choice to start the strike was prompted by the conclusion of the deadline given to the Management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) regarding its requests.
NUEE expressed that it cannot remain passive while the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) deteriorates, thereby justifying the strike.“It is regrettable that the TCN Management has chosen to address these matters with negligence and a blatant disregard for the diligent personnel of TCN.
Their approach has shown no clear pathway to resolve these issues.“We cannot simply stand by as our rights are aggressively undermined and the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) collapses. Consequently, the Union finds it necessary to cease its services.
“Members are hereby instructed to halt services until management is prepared to fulfill its responsibilities towards the workers,” the statement indicates.The union had previously ceased operations in June 2024, resulting in a disruption in electricity availability.At the time of this report, TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah had not responded to an inquiry from the media.
Full text of the NUEE strike announcement:AN APPEAL FOR ACTION After the deadline set by the Union to TCN Management regarding certain staff welfare and operational concerns expired, including:
- Failure to implement the National Minimum Wage
- Casualization of Employees
- Absence of working tools and materials
- Default on staff salaries since April 2025
- Insufficient Operational Vehicles
- Lack of Protective Equipment since 2021
- Concerns arising from the unbundling of TCN
- Non-payment of retirement benefits
It is regrettable that the TCN Management has approached these issues with negligence and disregard for the dedicated employees of TCN. This lack of a defined strategy to resolve chronic problems is evident.We cannot continue to be passive observers as our rights are persistently trampled upon and the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) disintegrates.
Hence, the Union is forced to cease its services.Members are therefore instructed to stop services until management is willing to meet its obligations regarding the workforce.This directive is effective immediately and demands full adherence.