Nigeria risks being plunged into darkness as members of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike, shutting down operations over unresolved labour disputes with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
In a circular signed by Acting General Secretary Dominic Igwebike, the union ordered its members across the country to immediately withdraw their services until long-standing welfare and operational grievances are addressed.
According to NUEE, the strike became inevitable after the expiration of an ultimatum issued to TCN, which it accused of neglecting staff welfare, failing to provide essential tools, and disregarding workers’ rights.
“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.
The union’s demands include implementation of the national minimum wage, an end to casualisation of workers, provision of working tools and materials, payment of salaries owed since April 2025, provision of operational vehicles, supply of protective equipment last given in 2021, resolution of unbundling-related issues, and settlement of outstanding retirement benefits.
The directive, which took immediate effect, mandates “total compliance” from electricity workers nationwide.
This development raises fresh fears of widespread power outages, recalling NUEE’s June 2024 strike that crippled electricity supply across several states before the federal government stepped in for emergency talks.
Efforts to reach TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.