By Olakunle Oke
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has directed its members across the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to immediately withdraw their services, initiating a swift and comprehensive nationwide shutdown of operations.
The directive follows the expiration of the union’s ultimatum to TCN management over a range of long-standing and unresolved welfare and operational issues that have been allowed to fester.
In a strongly worded circular signed by its Acting General Secretary, Comrade Dominic Igwebike, the union expressed deep frustration, citing grievances that include the failure to implement the approved national minimum wage and the unacceptable non-payment of staff salaries since April 2025.
The union also highlighted critical operational and safety concerns, detailing a lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers since 2021 and the failure to provide essential working tools and adequate operational vehicles.
Furthermore, NUEE condemned the continued casualisation of workers and the persistent problems stemming from the initial unbundling of TCN, including outstanding retirement benefits.
NUEE accused TCN management of handling the issues with “kid gloves” and showing a complete lack of commitment to workers’ welfare. The statement asserted that this neglect reflects a disregard for the contributions of the workforce.
“We cannot continue to fold our arms while we watch our rights being vehemently violated and the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) going down the drain,” the circular read.
The union confirmed that the withdrawal of services takes immediate effect, mandating full compliance from all members until TCN management demonstrates a readiness to meet its obligations.
The action is expected to severely impact the national power grid and the distribution of electricity.