Power Crisis Threatens as Electricity Workers Serve FG 21-Day Ultimatum

Electricity workers across the country have issued a 21-day nationwide strike notice to the Federal Government, raising fresh fears of a total power shutdown.
The workers, under the umbrella of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), said the ultimatum became necessary following years of unresolved labour disputes in the power sector.
In a letter dated January 26, 2026 and addressed to the Minister of Power, the union’s Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, lamented that several issues have lingered for more than 12 years since the privatisation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Alleged Violations
NUEE accused generation and distribution companies (Gencos and Discos) of persistent anti-labour practices, including:
Refusal to negotiate and implement collective agreements
Non-implementation of the 2025 National Minimum Wage and its consequential adjustments
Suppression of workers’ rights to unionise
Deduction of union dues, PAYE taxes, and pension contributions without remittance
The union alleged that in some distribution companies, pension deductions have remained unpaid for as long as 82 months, citing Kaduna and Kano Discos as examples.
Claims of Intimidation
The workers also accused management of harassment and intimidation in certain firms, specifically mentioning Ikeja Electric and Egbin Power Plc.
According to NUEE, despite repeated electricity tariff increases and improved sector revenues, workers have seen no promotions, salary adjustments, bonuses, or better 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 Action
The union urged the Federal Government to urgently convene stakeholders to address the grievances within the 21-day window, warning that failure to act could trigger what it described as legitimate industrial action.
If negotiations collapse, the looming strike could cripple electricity generation and distribution nationwide, plunging homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure into darkness at a time when Nigerians are already battling unstable power supply.