Electricity Workers’ Strike Threatens Nationwide Blackout in Nigeria

Punchngs July 29, 2025

Electricity Workers’ Strike Threatens Nationwide Blackout in Nigeria

Nigeria News
25.09.2025
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Electricity consumers across Nigeria relying on the national grid may soon experience a prolonged blackout as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) commenced a nationwide strike on Wednesday over unresolved labour disputes with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

This industrial action comes amid ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s power sector, which has been marred by low generation capacity, poor infrastructure, and repeated labour unrest despite years of privatisation and government interventions.

In a circular signed by its Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the NUEE directed its members across all states to withdraw their services indefinitely until management addresses long-standing welfare and operational grievances.

The union explained that the strike became inevitable following the expiration of an ultimatum issued to TCN. According to NUEE, the Transmission Company of Nigeria failed to address critical concerns regarding poor staff welfare, non-provision of essential tools, and disregard for workers’ rights.

Electricity Workers’ Strike Threatens Nationwide Blackout in Nigeria

“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 notice read in part.

NUEE 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 union outlined a number of demands aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of electricity workers nationwide. These include:

Implementation of the National Minimum Wage for all electricity sector workers.
Ending the casualisation of workers in the sector.
Provision of essential working tools and materials to staff.
Immediate payment of staff salaries owed since April 2025.
Provision of operational vehicles for staff nationwide.
Supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), last provided in 2021.
Resolution of issues arising from the unbundling of TCN.
Settlement of outstanding retirement benefits owed to workers.

The directive issued by NUEE takes immediate effect and mandates total compliance from all electricity workers across the country, raising concerns over an imminent nationwide blackout.

The strike threatens to disrupt the already fragile power supply system in Nigeria. Many citizens and businesses are bracing for another wave of blackouts, which could impact productivity, communication, and daily living conditions.

The situation mirrors a previous shutdown by NUEE in June 2024, which crippled power supply across many states and forced the Federal Government into emergency negotiations to restore electricity.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from Ndidi Mbah, the spokesperson for TCN, proved unsuccessful as she did not respond to calls or messages at the time of filing this report. This lack of communication has heightened tensions and uncertainty among electricity consumers and industry stakeholders.

The strike also coincides with repeated government promises to reform the power sector. Over the years, Nigeria’s electricity industry has struggled with low generation capacity, outdated infrastructure, and inadequate investment. Labour unrest, such as this strike, further compounds the challenges facing the sector.

Although the government has embarked on various initiatives to improve power generation and transmission, including privatisation and regulatory reforms, implementation has been slow and often undermined by administrative bottlenecks and Channels Television

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A prolonged blackout would have serious implications for Nigeria’s economy. Businesses reliant on grid electricity may face increased costs as they switch to diesel-powered generators or alternative energy sources. This could lead to higher consumer prices, reduced productivity, and even job losses in sensitive industries.

Socially, prolonged power cuts disrupt essential services such as healthcare, water supply, security systems, and education. Students, for instance, may find it difficult to study at night, while hospitals could face challenges in powering critical life-support equipment.

In the long run, recurring strikes in the power sector erode public confidence in government policies and discourage foreign investment in Nigeria’s energy industry.

Stakeholders are calling on the Federal Government and TCN management to engage NUEE in constructive dialogue to avert the looming nationwide blackout. Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive review of labour policies, staff welfare, and sector funding to prevent recurrent strikes.

The NUEE strike highlights the deeper structural challenges within Nigeria’s power sector. Without urgent reforms and investment in infrastructure, even the best labour agreements may only provide temporary relief.