The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has stepped up mobilisation of its members across the country following the expiration of its 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government without any resolution of its grievances.
In a letter dated January 26, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Power, the union issued a nationwide strike notice, accusing employers in the power sector—particularly distribution companies (DISCOs) and generation companies (GENCOs)—of engaging in anti-labour practices, wage violations, and failing to remit deducted Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes and pension contributions.
With the ultimatum now expired and no concrete action taken, union sources confirmed that preparations for industrial action have intensified across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). The union warned that a nationwide strike could commence at any moment next week if urgent steps are not taken to address the issues, a development that could significantly disrupt electricity generation and distribution across the country.
Sources disclosed that the Minister of Labour and Employment had earlier intervened in the dispute and scheduled a meeting for last week. However, it was gathered that the Minister of Power maintained that the matter fell within his ministry’s jurisdiction and should be handled accordingly.
Nearly two weeks after that development, union officials say no meeting has been convened by the power ministry. They expressed frustration over what they described as government inaction, alleging that the minister has been preoccupied with political engagements instead of addressing the growing crisis in the sector.
Angered by the delay, the union leadership has expanded its mobilisation efforts across power stations and distribution networks nationwide in readiness for possible industrial action.
“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 notice stated.
Industry stakeholders have warned that any nationwide strike by electricity workers would have serious consequences for businesses, households, and the broader economy, which is already facing significant energy supply challenges.
In the earlier correspondence signed by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, the union expressed concern over what it described as deteriorating working conditions more than 12 years after the privatisation of the power sector.
The union accused power sector employers of refusing to negotiate and implement collective agreements and conditions of service. It also alleged failure to implement the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act and its consequential adjustments.
According to the union, several managements within the sector have ignored procedural agreements and declined to engage in collective bargaining processes. NUEE further claimed that some companies have denied workers their constitutional right to unionise, restricted union activities within company premises, and deducted union dues without remitting them appropriately.
Beyond wage-related concerns, the union alleged prolonged non-remittance of statutory third-party deductions, including PAYE taxes and pension contributions. It specifically cited some distribution companies, including those in Kaduna and Kano, where pension deductions have reportedly remained unremitted for up to 82 months.
The union also raised concerns about what it described as the “militarisation” of certain workplaces, alleging harassment, intimidation, and threats against workers by managements of companies such as Ikeja Electric and Egbin Power Plc.
Workers further lamented that despite multiple electricity tariff increases, band reclassification exercises, and claims of rising sector revenues, their welfare has not improved. They noted the absence of promotions, salary increments, bonuses, and enhanced working conditions, alongside concerns over job security and pension assurances.
“Tariffs have gone up repeatedly, yet there has been no promotion, no increment, no bonuses, and no improvement in working conditions for workers. There is no job security and no pension assurances, while customers vent their anger on innocent employees,” the union stated.
NUEE also accused investors in the sector of failing to meet post-privatisation commitments, including capital injection, metering expansion, network upgrades, and improved power supply, arguing that the situation underscores ongoing shortcomings in the privatisation exercise.
NUEE Intensifies Nationwide Mobilisation as Strike Looms Over Unresolved Labour Disputes
