Impending Blackout: Why Electricity Employees Are on Strike

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has begun an indefinite strike over unresolved labour issues with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The NUEE had directed workers in the power sector to begin an indefinite strike from today, August 17, despite pleas by Goddy Jeddy-Agba, Nigeria’s minister of state for power, for more time to address raised concerns.

As a prelude to the strike, the aggrieved workers gathered to picket the headquarters of the TCN in Abuja on Tuesday. The union complained about the alleged failure of the Federal Government to pay the entitlements of some former staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) since December 2019.

In a circular by Joe Ajaero, its general-secretary, the union vowed to paralyse operations of the TCN nationwide over “anti-masses activities”.

This means the nation’s electricity supply crisis could worsen from today, since the TCN plays a major role in the distribution of electricity.

“You are hereby enjoined to mobilise immediately for a serious picketing of TCN Headquarters and stations nationwide over the directive by the TCN Board that all principal managers in acting capacity going to acting general manager must appear for promotion interview,” Ajaero said.

“This directive is in contravention of our conditions of service and career progression paths, and is unilaterally done without the relevant stakeholders.

“This action takes effect from Tuesday 16th August, 2022 and total withdrawal of services commences on Wednesday 17th August, 2022. Ensure full compliance in all the stations nationwide.”