Nigeria’s major labour unions have strongly opposed a proposed amendment to the Electricity Act that would ban strikes and protests by workers in the power sector.
The amendment bill, currently being considered by the National Assembly, seeks to declare the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity as essential services. This would prevent employees and unions in the electricity industry from taking industrial actions such as strikes or picketing without first signing a formal “Minimum Service Agreement.”
If passed, workers who violate the new rules could face a fine of up to ₦2 million, five years in prison, or both.
But the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have all slammed the proposal as unconstitutional, unrealistic, and a violation of international labour rights.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, argued that the bill directly contradicts existing labour laws and international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory. “The right to protest or strike is a fundamental part of collective bargaining,” he said. “If this bill is passed, it will be ignored because it’s unjust and unworkable.”
Ajaero said the Trade Union Act already regulates strike actions in essential sectors like electricity, requiring a two-week notice and allowing the Minister of Labour to step in early to resolve disputes. He accused lawmakers of overstepping their authority by using a sector-specific law to interfere with national labour rights.
TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, echoed the same concerns, warning that the bill would strip workers of their right to protest poor conditions. “The government should be solving the real issues causing unrest—not punishing workers for speaking out,” he said.
Also reacting, the General Secretary of NUEE, Dominic Igwebike, described the bill as an attack on all Nigerian workers, not just those in the electricity industry. “This is about silencing people. If passed, it could affect journalists, teachers, and anyone who dares to demand fair treatment through peaceful protest.”
Labour unions are planning to resist the amendment through legal channels, public awareness campaigns, and legislative engagement. They say they will submit their own counter-proposal that protects workers’ rights and aligns with international standards.
State-level energy officials have also warned that the bill could spark constitutional conflicts, as electricity regulation is now partly managed by both federal and state governments.
