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Electricity workers issue 21-day nationwide strike notice
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Union cites wage violations, unpaid pensions, anti-labour practices
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Strike could cripple power generation and distribution
Electricity workers in Nigeria, under the umbrella of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), have issued a 21-day nationwide strike notice to the Federal Government over unresolved labour disputes in the power sector.
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The union warned that failure to address their demands within the stipulated period could lead to industrial action capable of crippling electricity generation and distribution across the country.
In a letter dated January 26, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Power, NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, said many of the issues raised have remained unresolved for over 12 years since the privatisation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Key Allegations
The union accused power sector employers, particularly in generation and distribution companies (Gencos and Discos), of:
- Refusing to negotiate and implement collective agreements
- Failing to implement the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act and its consequential adjustments
- Blocking workers from unionising and restricting union activities
- Deducting but failing to remit union dues and statutory payments
According to NUEE, third-party deductions such as Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes and pension contributions have not been remitted in some cases for several years.
“Pension deductions have not been remitted for up to 82 months in some Discos, including Kaduna and Kano,” the union alleged.
Workplace Harassment Claims
The union further alleged harassment and intimidation of workers by management in some companies, including Ikeja Electric and Egbin Power Plc.
It claimed that despite repeated electricity tariff increases and higher revenues within the sector, workers have not benefited from promotions, salary increments, or improved working conditions.
“Tariffs have gone up repeatedly, yet there has been no promotion, no increment, no bonuses, and no improvement in working conditions,” the notice stated.
Call for Urgent Government Intervention
NUEE urged the Federal Government to urgently convene all relevant stakeholders to resolve the crisis, warning that continued neglect could force workers to take what it described as “legitimate labour actions.”
“We demand the immediate resolution of all these anti-labour issues within twenty-one days… Otherwise, we will not be constrained to take our fate into our hands by employing any legitimate labour weapon suitable for the situation. This is not a threat,” the union said.
If the strike proceeds, Nigeria could face a nationwide blackout, further straining businesses, households, and critical infrastructure already grappling with unstable power supply.