Nigeria Faces Possible Blackout As Electricity Workers Move Toward Nationwide Strike
Nigeria is staring at a possible disruption in electricity supply as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) steps up preparations for a nationwide strike that could begin as early as next week.
The looming action follows the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government, with the union insisting that its long-standing grievances remain unresolved.
In a letter dated January 26, 2026, to the Minister of Power, NUEE accused key players in the power sector — particularly generation companies (GENCOs) and distribution companies (DISCOs) — of engaging in persistent anti-labour practices. The union alleged violations ranging from unpaid or improperly adjusted wages to the failure to remit deducted Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes and pension contributions.
Although the strike deadline has passed without an agreement, union sources say mobilisation across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) has intensified. Workers at power stations and distribution networks nationwide are reportedly being put on alert, raising fears of a total shutdown of electricity generation and supply.
Insiders revealed that the Minister of Labour and Employment had intervened about two weeks ago and scheduled a meeting to resolve the impasse. However, the Minister of Power reportedly maintained that the matter should be handled strictly within his ministry.
Nearly two weeks after that development, the union claims no meeting has been convened by the power ministry, fueling frustration among workers who accuse the government of failing to treat the issue with urgency.
Expressing its position in strong terms, the union warned:
“We demand the immediate resolution of all these anti-labour issues. Otherwise, we will not hesitate to employ any legitimate labour action suitable for the situation. This is not a threat.”
Observers say any nationwide strike by electricity workers could severely affect homes, businesses, and critical services, compounding existing power supply challenges across the country.
The letter, signed by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, lamented what it described as worsening conditions for employees more than a decade after the privatisation of the electricity sector.
“We have written several letters to your highly exalted office on precarious work in NESI, especially in Gencos and Discos, since after the privatisation of the electricity sector, but the Ministry seems not to be interested in the matter.”
NUEE further accused sector operators of refusing to negotiate collective agreements and implement conditions of service. It also alleged non-compliance with the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act and its consequential salary adjustments.
“The sector is bedevilled with managements that have refused to collectively negotiate and implement procedural agreements and conditions of service and have failed to implement the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act.”
Beyond wage-related concerns, the union claimed some companies are denying workers the right to unionise, restricting union activities within company premises, and deducting union dues without remitting them.
