Electricity sector workers in Nigeria have issued a 21-day strike notice to the Federal Government, warning of potential disruption to power generation and distribution if longstanding labour disputes are not resolved.
The notice, issued by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), highlights widespread violations of workers’ rights in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), including unpaid wages, unremitted taxes and pensions, and worsening job insecurity.
In a letter dated January 26, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Power, NUEE Acting General Secretary Igwebike Dominic expressed frustration over years of neglect since the privatisation of the electricity sector.
The union accused several power companies of refusing to implement collective agreements, ignoring the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act, and failing to negotiate fair conditions of service for employees.
Workers are reportedly being denied the right to unionise, with union dues deducted from salaries allegedly not remitted. Statutory deductions such as Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax and pension contributions have also been left unpaid for extended periods, with some pension deductions in companies like Kaduna and Kano Discos reportedly unpaid for up to 82 months.
Beyond financial concerns, NUEE also raised alarm over alleged intimidation and harassment by managements in parts of the sector, describing work environments as hostile and “militarised,” particularly at companies such as Ikeja Electric and Egbin Power Plc.
Despite repeated electricity tariff increases, the union said workers’ welfare has stagnated, with no promotions, salary increments, bonuses, or improvements to working conditions.
Meanwhile, investors in the sector have allegedly failed to meet post-privatisation promises of capital investment, metering, network expansion, and better power supply.
The union called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and bring all parties together to resolve the crisis. It warned that failure to address the issues within the 21-day window could force workers to take lawful industrial action to defend their rights.
NUEE stressed that any action taken would be a legitimate response to protect employees’ welfare, not a threat.
