The development comes after the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government, with no agreement reached on the union’s demands.
In a letter dated January 26, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Power, the union declared a nationwide strike notice, accusing operators within the power sector — particularly distribution companies (DISCOs) and generation companies (GENCOs) — of persistent anti-labour practices. These include alleged wage breaches, non-remittance of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes, and failure to transfer deducted pension contributions.
Although the initial deadline has passed, union insiders revealed that preparations for a shutdown across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) have intensified. They warned that if urgent action is not taken, electricity generation and distribution across the country could be severely disrupted.
Sources within the union disclosed that the Minister of Labour and Employment had stepped into the matter about two weeks ago and scheduled a meeting last week. However, the Minister of Power reportedly insisted the issue fell strictly under his ministry’s authority.
Nearly two weeks after that disagreement, union officials claim no formal meeting has been held by the power ministry, expressing frustration over what they described as government delay and lack of urgency in resolving the crisis.
Angered by the perceived inaction, union leaders have begun rallying workers at power plants and distribution facilities nationwide ahead of a possible strike.
“We demand the immediate resolution of all these anti-labour issues. Otherwise, we will not hesitate to employ any legitimate labour action suitable for the situation. This is not a threat.”
Industry stakeholders warn that a nationwide shutdown by electricity workers could deepen existing energy challenges, with serious consequences for businesses, households, and the broader economy.
The letter, signed by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, also highlighted deteriorating working conditions more than 12 years after the privatisation of the power sector.
“We have written several letters to your highly exalted office on precarious work in NESI, especially in Gencos and Discos, since after the privatisation of the electricity sector, but the Ministry seems not to be interested in the matter.”
The union further accused power companies of refusing to negotiate and implement collective agreements and conditions of service, as well as failing to enforce the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act and its related adjustments.
“The sector is bedevilled with managements that have refused to collectively negotiate and implement procedural agreements and conditions of service and have failed to implement the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act.”
In addition to wage disputes, NUEE alleged that some firms are preventing workers from exercising their constitutional right to unionise, restricting union activities within company premises, and deducting union dues without remitting them.
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