Blackout Looms as Electricity Workers Mobilise for Strike After 21 Day Ultimatum
By Judex Okoro
A nationwide blackout may be imminent as the National Union of Electricity Employees has intensified mobilisation of its members for a possible strike following the expiration of its 21 day ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The union had, in a letter dated January 26, 2026 and addressed to the Minister of Power, issued a strike notice over what it described as persistent anti labour practices in the power sector. It accused distribution companies and generation companies of wage violations, refusal to honour collective agreements, and failure to remit deducted Pay As You Earn taxes and pension contributions.
With no resolution reached after the ultimatum lapsed, union sources said preparations for industrial action have been stepped up across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. They warned that a strike could commence at any time and may disrupt electricity generation and distribution nationwide if urgent steps are not taken.
According to sources within the union, the Minister of Labour and Employment had intervened in the dispute about two weeks ago and scheduled a meeting for last week. However, it was gathered that the Minister of Power maintained that the issues fall under his ministry and should be handled there.
Union officials expressed concern that nearly two weeks after that development, no meeting has been convened by the power ministry to address the grievances. They alleged that the delay has heightened tension among workers in the sector.
Angered by what they termed government inaction, the union leadership has intensified mobilisation of workers across power stations and distribution networks in preparation for a possible strike next week.
In its notice, the union stated that it is demanding the immediate resolution of all outstanding labour issues and warned that it would not hesitate to pursue legitimate industrial action if its demands are not met. It emphasised that the warning should not be taken lightly.
Industry observers caution that a nationwide strike by electricity workers could have severe implications for businesses, households and the broader economy, which is already contending with energy supply challenges.
In the letter signed by the Acting General Secretary of the union, Igwebike Dominic, the union decried what it described as worsening working conditions more than 12 years after the privatisation of the power sector.
The union also alleged that employers in the sector have failed to implement the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act and its consequential adjustments. It further accused managements in generation and distribution companies of refusing to negotiate and implement collective agreements and conditions of service.
According to the union, repeated correspondence to the Ministry of Power on the issues of precarious employment and non compliance with labour agreements has yielded little response, thereby deepening discontent among electricity workers nationwide.
