The workers accused the TCN management of “treating staff concerns with kid gloves” despite repeated warnings and an ultimatum that expired this week.
Electricity consumers across Nigeria may be plunged into darkness within hours as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) on Wednesday ordered its members to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike over unresolved disputes with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
In a circular signed by the union’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, NUEE directed electricity workers across the country to withdraw their services “with immediate effect” until management addresses their long-standing welfare and operational grievances.
The workers accused the TCN management of “treating staff concerns with kid gloves” despite repeated warnings and an ultimatum that expired this week.
Among the unresolved issues cited by the union are poor staff welfare, non-provision of essential tools, unpaid salaries dating back to April 2025, and disregard for 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 statement said.
“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.
The union also listed additional demands, including: immediate implementation of the National Minimum Wage; an end to the casualisation of workers; provision of working tools and operational vehicles; Supply of Personal Protective Equipment (last provided in 2021); resolution of disputes arising from TCN’s unbundling, and Payment of outstanding retirement benefits.
The directive mandates “total compliance” nationwide, a move that raises fears of another round of crippling power outages.
This development comes barely a year after NUEE shut down operations in June 2024, a strike that forced the Federal Government into emergency negotiations after power supply collapsed across several states.