Nationwide Blackout Looms as Electricity Workers Strike Over Minimum Wage

Organized labor in Nigeria’s power sector has effectively shut down the country’s electricity industry. This action follows directives from major labor unions in response to disputes over the minimum wage.

Shutdown of the Power Sector

The Acting General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Dominic Igwebike, confirmed to Vanguard that the power sector is under lockdown. Igwebike stated, “The national grid, the DISCOs, and GENCOs are all under lockdown. This complies with the directive from our umbrella bodies, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).”

Fuel Sector Affected

In a related development, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has halted all loading activities at fuel depots in Lagos. This move is also in compliance with the strike directive issued by the NLC.

Despite the strike, Vanguard learned that all loaded trucks have been allowed to leave the depots, including aviation terminals, to ensure safety. A labor leader explained, “We don’t want to keep a loaded truck within the depot because it is highly flammable. Safety is very important. We allowed loaded trucks to leave the depots for safer areas, including the aviation terminals.”