In a dramatic escalation of long-simmering tensions within Nigeria’s power sector, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a directive to its members across the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to immediately cease all operations, effectively initiating a comprehensive nationwide shutdown of electricity services. This bold move, announced on September 26, 2025, marks a critical turning point in the ongoing dispute between the union and TCN management, with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s already fragile power supply system.
The directive, communicated through a strongly worded circular signed by the union’s Acting General Secretary, Comrade Dominic Igwebike, comes on the heels of an expired ultimatum issued to TCN management. The union’s grievances stem from a litany of unresolved issues, including the failure to implement the approved national minimum wage, the non-payment of staff salaries since April 2025, and a host of operational and safety concerns that have been left unaddressed for years. These issues, according to the union, reflect a systemic disregard for the welfare of workers and the operational integrity of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
A Deepening Crisis in Nigeria’s Power Sector
Nigeria’s electricity sector has long been plagued by inefficiencies, underfunding, and mismanagement, with citizens and businesses alike enduring frequent power outages and an unreliable national grid. The Transmission Company of Nigeria, responsible for the transmission of electricity across the country, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the stability and functionality of the power grid. However, the NUEE’s decision to withdraw services threatens to paralyze this critical infrastructure, potentially plunging the nation into widespread darkness and disrupting economic activities on an unprecedented scale.
The union’s circular paints a grim picture of the state of affairs within TCN, accusing the management of handling critical issues with “kid gloves” and demonstrating a complete lack of commitment to addressing workers’ concerns. “We cannot continue to fold our arms while we watch our rights being vehemently violated and the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry going down the drain,” the circular declared. This sentiment encapsulates the frustration and disillusionment felt by workers who have repeatedly raised their concerns, only to be met with inaction.
The Grievances: A Breakdown of the Issues
At the heart of the dispute are several longstanding issues that have eroded trust between TCN management and its workforce. Chief among these is the failure to implement the approved national minimum wage, a policy that was intended to ensure fair compensation for workers across various sectors in Nigeria. The delay in implementing this wage increase has left TCN employees struggling to meet their basic needs, particularly in the face of rising inflation and economic hardship. For many workers, the non-payment of salaries since April 2025 has exacerbated financial difficulties, pushing them to the brink of desperation.
Beyond financial concerns, the union has raised serious operational and safety issues that have persisted for years. One of the most alarming grievances is the lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers since 2021. PPE is essential for ensuring the safety of employees who work in hazardous conditions, such as those involving high-voltage equipment. The absence of adequate protective gear not only endangers workers’ lives but also violates basic occupational safety standards. The union has repeatedly called for the provision of PPE, but their demands have fallen on deaf ears.
In addition to safety concerns, the NUEE has highlighted the lack of essential working tools and operational vehicles, which are critical for the effective maintenance and operation of the national grid. Without these resources, workers are unable to perform their duties efficiently, leading to delays in addressing faults and maintaining infrastructure. This, in turn, contributes to the frequent power outages that have become a hallmark of Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Another significant issue is the continued casualisation of workers, a practice that denies employees the benefits and job security associated with permanent employment. Casual workers often receive lower wages, lack access to health insurance, and are excluded from pension schemes, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. The union has condemned this practice, arguing that it undermines the dignity of workers and perpetuates inequality within the workforce.
The NUEE has also pointed to unresolved issues stemming from the unbundling of TCN, a process that began in the early 2000s as part of Nigeria’s power sector reforms. The unbundling, which aimed to privatize and decentralize the electricity industry, has been fraught with challenges, including the failure to pay outstanding retirement benefits to former employees. These unpaid benefits have become a source of contention, with retirees and their families left in financial limbo.
A Call to Action: The Strike Begins
The NUEE’s decision to withdraw services was not made lightly. The union had issued an ultimatum to TCN management, giving them a deadline to address the grievances. However, with no meaningful progress made, the union felt compelled to take drastic action. The circular issued by Comrade Dominic Igwebike mandated full compliance from all members, signaling the start of a nationwide strike that is expected to have immediate and severe consequences for Nigeria’s power supply.
The withdrawal of services is likely to disrupt the operations of the national power grid, which is already strained by aging infrastructure, vandalism, and inadequate investment. The transmission of electricity from power generation plants to distribution companies relies heavily on the work of TCN employees, who are responsible for maintaining high-voltage lines, substations, and other critical infrastructure. Without their services, the entire electricity supply chain could grind to a halt, leaving homes, businesses, and essential services without power.
The impact of the strike is expected to be felt across all sectors of the economy. Hospitals, schools, and other critical institutions that rely on electricity for their operations may face significant challenges. Businesses, particularly those in the manufacturing and service sectors, could suffer substantial losses due to prolonged power outages. For ordinary Nigerians, who already contend with erratic power supply, the strike could exacerbate an already dire situation, further eroding public confidence in the government’s ability to manage the power sector.
The Broader Context: Nigeria’s Struggling Power Sector
To fully understand the significance of the NUEE’s strike, it is essential to examine the broader context of Nigeria’s electricity sector. Despite being Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, Nigeria has struggled to provide reliable electricity to its citizens. The country’s power generation capacity remains woefully inadequate, with an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts of electricity available for a population of over 200 million. This is a stark contrast to countries like South Africa, which generates over 50,000 megawatts for a much smaller population.
The challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector are multifaceted. Decades of underinvestment have left the national grid in a state of disrepair, with aging infrastructure that is prone to frequent breakdowns. Vandalism and theft of power equipment, such as transformers and cables, have further compounded the problem. Additionally, the sector has been plagued by policy inconsistencies, corruption, and mismanagement, which have hindered efforts to improve electricity supply.
The unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), TCN’s predecessor, was intended to address these challenges by introducing private sector participation and improving efficiency. However, the process has been marred by controversies, including allegations of mismanagement and failure to deliver on promised improvements. The NUEE’s grievances, particularly those related to the unbundling process, highlight the lingering effects of these reforms and the challenges of transitioning to a more efficient and equitable power sector.
The Human Cost: Workers at the Heart of the Crisis
At the core of the NUEE’s strike is the human cost of TCN’s operational and managerial failures. The workers, who are the backbone of Nigeria’s electricity transmission system, have been forced to work under increasingly difficult conditions. The non-payment of salaries for over five months has placed immense financial strain on employees and their families, many of whom rely on these wages to cover basic expenses such as food, housing, and healthcare.
The lack of PPE and essential tools further compounds the challenges faced by workers. Electricity transmission is inherently dangerous work, involving high-voltage equipment and complex infrastructure. Without proper protective gear, workers are at risk of serious injury or even death. The absence of operational vehicles also means that workers must often travel long distances on foot or use unreliable transportation to reach remote sites, further compromising their safety and efficiency.
The issue of casualisation is particularly troubling, as it reflects a broader trend of labor exploitation in Nigeria. By denying workers permanent employment status, TCN is able to avoid providing benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, and pension contributions. This practice not only undermines workers’ financial security but also erodes morale and productivity within the workforce.
The failure to pay retirement benefits to former employees is another stark reminder of the human toll of TCN’s mismanagement. Retirees, many of whom dedicated decades of service to the power sector, have been left without the financial support they were promised. For these individuals, the non-payment of benefits represents a betrayal of trust and a denial of their contributions to the industry.
The Path Forward: Challenges and Opportunities
The NUEE’s strike action has brought the issues facing Nigeria’s power sector into sharp focus, but it also raises important questions about the path forward. For TCN management, the immediate challenge is to engage with the union in good faith and address the grievances that have led to the strike. This will require a commitment to implementing the national minimum wage, clearing the backlog of unpaid salaries, and providing workers with the tools and safety equipment they need to perform their duties effectively.
However, resolving these issues will not be easy. Nigeria’s power sector is grappling with systemic challenges that require long-term solutions. Addressing the lack of investment in infrastructure, improving policy coordination, and tackling corruption will be critical to ensuring the sustainability of the sector. The government, as a key stakeholder in TCN, must also play a role in facilitating dialogue between the union and management and ensuring that workers’ rights are respected.
For the NUEE, the strike represents a powerful tool to pressure TCN into action, but it also carries risks. Prolonged disruptions to the power supply could lead to public backlash, as citizens and businesses bear the brunt of the outages. The union will need to balance its demands with the need to maintain public support and avoid alienating the very communities it serves.
There is also an opportunity for broader reforms within the power sector. The NUEE’s strike could serve as a catalyst for addressing not only the immediate grievances of workers but also the structural issues that have plagued the industry for decades. By working collaboratively with stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and civil society, there is potential to create a more equitable and efficient electricity system that benefits all Nigerians.
The Broader Implications: A Nation in the Dark
The NUEE’s strike action is a stark reminder of the fragility of Nigeria’s electricity sector and the critical role that workers play in keeping the lights on. As the strike takes effect, the immediate impact will be felt by millions of Nigerians who rely on electricity for their daily lives. From households struggling to power their homes to businesses facing disruptions in production, the consequences of the shutdown will be far-reaching.
The strike also underscores the need for systemic reforms in Nigeria’s power sector. While the immediate focus is on resolving the union’s grievances, the broader issues of underinvestment, mismanagement, and policy failures cannot be ignored. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, TCN management, and the private sector.
For now, the nation waits anxiously to see how the situation will unfold. The NUEE has made it clear that its members will not return to work until TCN demonstrates a genuine commitment to addressing their concerns. Until then, Nigeria faces the prospect of a prolonged period of darkness, both literally and figuratively, as the power sector grapples with its deepest crisis in recent memory.
