Electricity workers in Nigeria have warned that a nationwide strike could begin at any moment, raising concerns over a potential disruption to power supply across the country.
The warning came from the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), which said it has completed plans for industrial action following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.
Union says strike could begin anytime
Speaking in a telephone interview, the acting General Secretary of the union, Igwebike Dominic, confirmed that workers are already mobilising nationwide for possible strike action.
According to him, the ultimatum issued by the union has expired and the government has yet to respond adequately to their concerns.
He said although the Ministry of Labour and Employment intervened during the dispute, the union has not received any official response from the Ministry of Power, which was the primary recipient of their earlier communication.
Dominic explained that with the deadline already passed, electricity workers may decide to begin the strike at any time.
Mobilisation ongoing across power sector
The union also confirmed that mobilisation of members across the country is currently ongoing within the Nigerian electricity supply industry.
Officials said the strike could affect operations in generation companies (Gencos) and distribution companies (Discos), which play critical roles in electricity generation and supply nationwide.
Industry analysts warn that any disruption in these operations could lead to a nationwide blackout, affecting homes, businesses and public institutions.
Allegations against power companies
The planned strike stems from a letter dated January 26, 2026, sent to the Minister of Power by the union.
In the letter, the union accused several electricity companies of engaging in anti-labour practices and violating workers’ rights.
Among the allegations are failure to remit Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes and pension contributions deducted from workers’ salaries.
The union also accused some operators of refusing to negotiate collective agreements and failing to implement the provisions of the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act and its associated adjustments.
Workers further alleged that certain companies have restricted union activities and denied employees the right to freely organise.
According to the union, some distribution companies have deducted union dues without remitting them to the appropriate bodies.
Pension deductions reportedly unpaid
NUEE also raised concerns over long-standing pension issues within parts of the sector.
The union alleged that in some distribution companies, including Kaduna and Kano Discos, pension deductions have reportedly not been remitted for as long as 82 months.
Workers also complained about what they described as the “militarisation” of workplaces, accusing some management teams of harassment and intimidation.
Union officials said repeated letters had been sent to government authorities over these concerns since the privatisation of the power sector more than a decade ago.
Government response yet to materialise
Although the Ministry of Labour reportedly convened an initial meeting in an attempt to mediate the dispute, union sources said the Minister of Power maintained that the matter fell under his ministry’s responsibility.
Nearly two weeks after that development, electricity workers say no formal meeting has been held to address their grievances.
The lack of progress has further heightened tensions within the sector and prompted the union to intensify preparations for industrial action.
Potential impact on electricity supply
Industry observers warn that a nationwide strike by electricity workers could severely disrupt electricity generation and distribution across Nigeria.
Such a disruption could worsen the country’s already fragile power supply situation, with potential implications for businesses, households and critical services.
For now, the union insists that unless urgent action is taken to address workers’ concerns, electricity workers may down tools without further notice.
