Electricity workers have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of a possible nationwide strike over what they describe as persistent anti-labour practices, unpaid statutory deductions, and worsening working conditions within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) said failure to address the concerns within the stipulated period could trigger industrial action capable of disrupting electricity generation and distribution across the country.
In a letter dated January 26, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Power, NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, expressed frustration over what he described as the Ministry’s lack of response to repeated complaints about precarious working conditions in generation and distribution companies since the sector’s privatisation more than a decade ago.
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The union accused several power sector operators of refusing to negotiate or implement collective bargaining agreements and conditions of service. It also alleged non-compliance with the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act and its associated salary adjustments.
According to the notice, some management teams have resisted procedural agreements, failed to recognise workers’ rights to unionise, and restricted union activities within company premises.
NUEE further claimed that union dues deducted from workers’ salaries have not been remitted as required.
The union also raised concerns over non-remittance of statutory deductions, including Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes and pension contributions.
It alleged that in some distribution companies, pension deductions have remained unpaid for extended periods — in certain cases, stretching up to 82 months.
Additionally, NUEE criticised what it termed the “militarisation” of the workplace, accusing some electricity companies of subjecting workers to harassment, intimidation, and threats.
The union argued that employees are being treated as adversaries rather than key stakeholders in the sector.
Despite successive electricity tariff increases and revenue growth following band reclassifications, the workers lamented that there have been no corresponding improvements in staff welfare.
They cited a lack of promotions, salary increments, bonuses, and improved working conditions, even as frontline employees face public frustration over service challenges.
The union also faulted investors for allegedly failing to meet post-privatisation commitments related to capital investment, metering expansion, network upgrades, and improved power supply, describing the situation as evidence of shortcomings in the privatisation process.
NUEE urged the Federal Government to urgently convene all relevant stakeholders to resolve the crisis, warning that continued inaction could compel workers to pursue what it described as legitimate industrial measures to protect their rights.
The union stated that it expects all identified grievances to be addressed within 21 days of receipt of its letter, maintaining that its notice should not be seen as a threat but as a call for urgent intervention to avert a nationwide shutdown of electricity services.
