Source: National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) – Letter signed by Acting General Secretary Igwebike Dominic, January 26, 2026.
Nigeria’s power sector may be heading toward another major disruption as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) intensifies mobilisation for a possible nationwide strike. The development follows the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government without what the union describes as any meaningful resolution.
As e be now, workers for electricity sector don begin serious mobilisation. Dem talk say if government no respond properly, total shutdown fit happen. And if that one happen, blackout fit cover many parts of the country.
The Ultimatum and Allegations
In a letter dated January 26, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Power, NUEE accused distribution companies (DISCOs) and generation companies (GENCOs) of persistent anti-labour practices. According to the union, these include wage violations, refusal to negotiate collective agreements, and failure to remit deducted PAYE taxes and pension contributions.
The letter, signed by Acting General Secretary Igwebike Dominic, warned that conditions have deteriorated significantly more than twelve years after the privatisation of Nigeria’s power sector.
For simple talk: union dey complain say after privatisation, things no better for workers. Instead, dem say condition worse pass before. Salary issues, pension wahala, tax deduction wey no reach government — all these dey ground.
Failure to Remit Statutory Deductions
One of the most serious allegations involves the non-remittance of statutory deductions. NUEE claims that in some distribution companies, particularly Kaduna and Kano DISCOs, pension deductions have allegedly gone unpaid for as long as 82 months.
If true, this raises significant compliance and financial accountability concerns within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Make we reason am: if company dey deduct pension from worker salary but no remit am for almost seven years, that one serious matter be. Pension na future security for workers. If e no dey paid, na big risk.
Minimum Wage and Collective Agreements
The union also accused power companies of failing to implement the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act. According to NUEE, some operators have refused to engage in collective bargaining or renegotiate agreements reflecting current economic realities.
Workers argue that despite repeated electricity tariff increases and reported growth in company revenues, there have been no corresponding improvements in wages, promotions, or working conditions.
In street terms: tariff dey go up, consumers dey pay more, companies dey collect more money, but workers talk say dem no see promotion, no salary increment, nothing change for dem side.
Allegations of Harassment and Intimidation
NUEE further alleged harassment and intimidation of workers in certain companies, naming Ikeja Electric and Egbin Power Plc among those cited in its complaints.
The union stated that employees attempting to exercise their rights to unionise have faced pressure, while in some cases union dues were reportedly not remitted as required.
According to the union, such practices undermine labour rights and weaken trust between management and workforce.
For workers wey dey inside system, dem say pressure too much. Some claim say management dey frustrate union activities. If true, that one fit increase tension well well.
Government Intervention and Delays
Reports indicate that the Minister of Labour attempted to intervene and proposed a meeting between stakeholders. However, the dispute was reportedly redirected back to the Ministry of Power.
Nearly two weeks after that redirection, union leaders claim no formal meeting has been convened, heightening frustration among electricity workers.
Union officials insist that they are open to dialogue but stress that time is running out.
Dem talk say meeting suppose don happen since. But as at now, nothing concrete don show. Workers dey vex because dem feel say government no treat the matter with urgency.
Implications of a Nationwide Strike
Should the strike proceed, electricity generation and distribution across Nigeria could face serious disruption. The Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) is highly interconnected, meaning industrial action in one segment could quickly affect the entire value chain.
A nationwide blackout would impact households, hospitals, financial institutions, telecommunications, and manufacturing sectors. Given the country’s already fragile power supply, even a short disruption could have economic consequences.
If strike happen, na full blackout fit land. Hospital, bank, telecom company, small businesses — everybody go feel am. We sabi say power supply no even too stable before, so any shutdown go make things harder.
The Union’s Position
NUEE maintains that its demands are lawful and legitimate. In its statement, the union warned:
“We demand the immediate resolution of all these anti-labour issues. Otherwise, we will not hesitate to employ any legitimate labour action suitable for the situation. This is not a threat.”
The phrasing suggests that the union sees industrial action not as aggression, but as a last resort after failed engagement.
For their own side, dem dey talk say this no be empty threat. Dem say if government no act fast, dem go use any legal labour action wey dem fit use.
Broader Context
Nigeria’s power sector has faced structural challenges since its privatisation over a decade ago. While the reform aimed to increase efficiency and attract investment, recurring disputes over labour rights, liquidity constraints, and infrastructure gaps continue to generate tension.
Analysts say resolving labour disputes quickly is essential to avoid compounding existing supply challenges.
Many observers believe that unless systemic issues are addressed, periodic labour unrest may persist.
The bigger picture be say power sector never fully stable since privatisation. Money issues, infrastructure gap, labour complaints — all dey mix together.
Conclusion
With mobilisation reportedly in top gear, Nigeria stands at a delicate point in its electricity sector. A swift and transparent resolution between NUEE, power companies, and the Federal Government may prevent disruption.
However, if negotiations fail, the country could witness another round of industrial action with significant national impact.
For now, stakeholders across the industry — from government officials to corporate operators and labour leaders — face mounting pressure to reach a workable compromise.
As e stand, ball dey for government and company court. If dem settle quick, blackout fit avoid. If dem delay, Nigerians fit prepare for darkness again.
Source credit: National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Letter dated January 26, 2026, signed by Acting General Secretary Igwebike Dominic.