Nationwide Blackout Looms As Nigerian Electricity Workers Begin Strike

Nigerians could face power outages in the coming days as the control centre gate of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Osogbo was shut on Thursday as electricity workers began an indefinite strike over unpaid salaries, non-implementation of the minimum wage, and casualisation of workers, among other grievances.

The Nation observed that the gates of the TCN office along the Osogbo/Ikirun Road were locked, preventing workers from gaining access to the premises.

Those who had reported for duty eventually returned home.

A letter dated September 24, 2025, and signed by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, directed members of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) to commence the strike.

The union listed issues including non-implementation of the national minimum wage, casualisation of staff, lack of working tools and materials, and non-payment of salaries since April 2025.

They also cited a lack of operational vehicles, non-provision of personal protective equipment (PPEs) since 2021, problems from the unbundling of TCN, and non-payment of retirement benefits.

Igwebike explained that the strike followed the expiration of the union’s ultimatum to TCN management on unresolved staff welfare and operational concerns.

He said, “It is unfortunate that the TCN Management has decided to handle these issues with kid gloves and a lack of regard for the hard-working staff of TCN.

“This, they have displayed without any defined road map(s) for addressing them. We cannot continue to fold our arms while we watch our rights being vehemently violated and the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) going down the drain.

“To this end, the Union is compelled to withdraw its services. Members are hereby directed to withdraw services until the management is ready to discharge its obligations towards the workforce.

This directive takes immediate effect and total compliance.”