The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has ramped up preparations for a potential nationwide strike following the expiration of its 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over unresolved labour grievances in the power sector.
The union, in a letter dated January 26, 2026, accused electricity employers—including distribution companies (DISCOs) and generation companies (GENCOs)—of anti-labour practices, wage violations, and failure to remit deducted Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes and pension contributions.
Tensions Rise Amid Government Inaction
With no concrete response from the authorities, union sources confirmed that leadership is mobilising workers across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), warning that industrial action could begin at any time, potentially disrupting electricity supply nationwide.
Efforts by the Minister of Labour and Employment to mediate were reportedly stalled, as the Minister of Power maintained that the matter falls within his ministry’s responsibility. The union has expressed frustration at the lack of follow-up, alleging that political engagements have taken priority over resolving the looming crisis.
Long-Standing Worker Concerns
The NUEE highlighted persistent challenges more than 12 years after the privatisation of Nigeria’s electricity sector, including:
- Employers’ refusal to negotiate and implement collective agreements and service conditions
- Non-compliance with the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act
- Failure to remit pension contributions over extended periods
Economic Implications
Industry experts caution that a nationwide strike by electricity workers could severely impact households, businesses, and the broader economy, already facing chronic energy supply challenges.
The union’s intensified mobilisation underscores the urgency for government intervention to avert a full-scale disruption of Nigeria’s electricity generation and distribution network.
