Nationwide blackout looms as Nigerian electricity workers join labour unions’ planned strike

A nationwide blackout is likely as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has directed its members to commence total mobilisation to ensure compliance with the directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to embark on an indefinite strike.

The NLC had declared an indefinite nationwide strike to pressure the federal government to address the hardships associated with fuel subsidy removal.

The NUEE, in a notice signed by its acting general secretary, Dominic Igwebike, on Thursday, urged its members to comply with the directive and stop work from the early hours of Tuesday.

The NUEE members’ strike could throw the country into darkness, given the workers’ critical roles in electricity distribution in the country.

NUEE urged its members to withdraw its services and participate in street protests and rallies “until the government responds to our demands”.

Part of the notice read:

“Further to the NLC National Executive Council meeting held on September 26, 2023, and the Joint Press Conference of NLC and Trade Union Congress over the untold hardships being faced by Nigerians as a consequence of the high price of petroleum resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy as well as other anti-labour policies by the government, the NLC and TUC have declared an indefinite and total shutdown of the nation beginning on zero hours of Tuesday, October 3 2023.

“Hence, we are to totally withdraw our services and participate in street protests and rallies until the Government responds to our demands.

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“Please note that withdrawal of Services nationwide commences from 0.00 hours of Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

“You are encouraged to work with the leadership of State Executive Councils of the congress in your various states with a view to having a successful action.”