Nigerians may face widespread power outages as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) commenced a nationwide strike on Wednesday, citing the non-implementation of key demands and the deteriorating state of the power sector.

The strike action, announced via a notice signed by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, follows the expiration of an ultimatum issued to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The union accuses TCN management of neglecting workers’ welfare and failing to address critical operational issues.

Key Demands of NUEE:

1. Non-implementation of the National Minimum Wage

2. Casualisation of workers

3. Non-provision of working tools and materials

4. Non-payment of staff salaries since April 2025

5. Lack of operational vehicles

6. Non-provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) since 2021

7. Outstanding issues from the unbundling of TCN

8. Non-payment of retirement benefits

“It is unfortunate that the TCN Management has decided to handle these issues with kid gloves… We cannot continue to fold our arms while our rights are being violated and NESI is going down the drain.”

NUEE has ordered all members to withdraw their services immediately and indefinitely, until TCN demonstrates genuine commitment to resolving the listed grievances.

“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.

“Members are hereby directed to withdraw services until such time that the management is ready to discharge its obligations towards the workforce,” the reads

What This Means:

Possible nationwide blackout as TCN operations are disrupted

Further strain on Nigeria’s already fragile power supply

Potential impacts on businesses, hospitals, and essential services

This marks the second major strike by NUEE in just over a year, with the last occurring in June 2024.