Electricity Workers Issue 21-Day Strike Notice to FG.

ABUJA — The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has officially served the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to address deteriorating labor conditions or face a nationwide blackout. In a stinging petition addressed to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the union cited widespread “anti-labour practices” across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). Acting General Secretary of NUEE, Dominic Igwebike, accused generation and distribution companies of operating above the law for over twelve years. Consequently, the union warned that its members would withdraw their services unless the ministry intervenes immediately. This development places the nation on edge as a potential total shutdown looms over the already unstable national grid.

Igwebike lamented the persistent refusal of employers to negotiate collective procedural agreements or implement standard conditions of service. Furthermore, the union alleged a blatant refusal by industry players to adopt the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act. These grievances include the non-remittance of statutory deductions such as pension contributions and Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxes. In some instances, pension deductions reportedly remain unremitted for up to 82 months, particularly within the Kaduna and Kano Discos. Meanwhile, workers decry the “militarization” of their environment, citing harassment and intimidation by management at Ikeja Electric and Egbin Power.

Conversely, the union contends that the 2013 privatization exercise has failed to deliver its promised infrastructural and welfare dividends. Despite multiple electricity tariff hikes and band reclassifications, workers’ salaries and promotional bonuses reportedly remain stagnant. Labor leaders argue that investors prioritize profit margins over the safety and constitutional rights of their workforce. Furthermore, many companies allegedly prohibit unionization on their premises, infringing on the workers’ fundamental right to collective bargaining. In a related development, the House of Representatives recently summoned the Minister of Power to explain the frequent collapses of the national grid.

Ultimately, the 2026 fiscal year faces a severe test as the ultimatum highlights a profound crisis of confidence in the energy sector. Igwebike emphasized that job insecurity and precarious work conditions have severely damaged the morale of his members. He urged the government to act decisively to bridge the widening gap between employers and the workforce. Furthermore, the union insisted that they would employ all legitimate labor weapons to defend the interests of electricity employees. Until these issues reach a resolution, the threat of a darkened nation remains a potent and terrifying reality.