Electricity consumers across Nigeria may soon experience blackouts as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) commenced industrial action on Wednesday. The strike stems from unresolved disputes between the union and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The industrial action began following the union’s dissatisfaction with the company’s failure to address several pressing concerns. Among the unresolved issues are demands for the payment of the national minimum wage, an end to casual employment practices, the provision of essential safety gear, and settlement of overdue salaries dating back to April 2025.
The union also criticized TCN’s prolonged neglect in supplying personal protective equipment, dating back to 2021, along with inadequate responses to challenges related to the company’s unbundling and unpaid retirement benefits for staff.
“It is regrettable that the management at TCN has chosen to treat these problems with a dismissive attitude and little consideration for dedicated employees,” the union declared.
“We cannot remain passive as our rights are flagrantly disregarded and the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) deteriorates,” the group added.
In response, members were instructed to cease work until management fulfills its commitments. The strike announcement took immediate effect, with the union urging full adherence from its members.
The TCN oversees Nigeria’s national grid infrastructure, including high-voltage transmission networks and substations vital to power distribution. Nonetheless, as of Thursday evening, the national grid continued to function, delivering approximately 4,411MW to distribution companies. Leading contributors to the power supply included Engineer Power (601MW), Kainji Hydro (473MW), and Shiroro Hydro (398MW).
Attempts to reach TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, for comments on the matter were unsuccessful at the time of this publication.
Nigerians hope that renewed talks will soon lead to resolutions benefiting workers and the electricity grid alike.
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