The union, in a circular signed by Acting General Secretary Dominic Igwebike, ordered members across all states to withdraw their services immediately, citing years of neglect of staff welfare and operational needs.
Union Blames TCN for Neglect
According to NUEE, the strike became unavoidable after the expiration of an ultimatum issued to TCN management. The union accused the company of ignoring grievances such as:
- Non-implementation of the National Minimum Wage.
- Non-provision of essential tools and personal protective equipment (last supplied in 2021).
- Unpaid staff salaries dating back to April 2025.
- Continued casualisation of workers.
- Failure to resolve disputes from the unbundling of TCN.
- Non-payment of retirement benefits.
“Unfortunately, the TCN management has decided to handle these issues with kid gloves and with a lack of regard for the hardworking staff,” the union stated.
“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,” it added.
Impact Looms Nationwide
The directive, which took immediate effect, mandates total compliance from all electricity workers, raising fears of another nationwide power collapse.
NUEE had previously shut down operations in June 2024, an action that plunged many states into darkness and forced the Federal Government into emergency negotiations.
This latest strike has once again cast doubt on the stability of Nigeria’s fragile power sector, which continues to grapple with low generation, decaying infrastructure, and recurring labour unrest despite years of privatisation and government interventions.
Government Silent
As at press time, attempts to reach TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not returned.
The strike coincides with repeated government assurances of reforms to revive the electricity sector, leaving consumers anxious about the possibility of a total blackout in the coming hours.
