Electricity workers in Nigeria have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of possible industrial action over what they describe as worsening anti-labour practices and poor working conditions across the power sector.
The threat was made by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in a letter addressed to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
The union is demanding urgent intervention in what it calls “precarious employment conditions” affecting workers in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, particularly within generation and distribution companies.
Acting General Secretary of NUEE, Dominic Igwebike, said the union had repeatedly drawn the ministry’s attention to the issue since the privatisation of the sector over a decade ago but alleged that employers and regulators had shown little commitment to resolving the concerns.
He accused power sector operators of failing to negotiate and implement collective agreements and conditions of service, and of disregarding the provisions of the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act and its consequential adjustments.
The union also alleged that some companies have restricted unionisation within their premises, a move it said undermines workers’ constitutional rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
According to Igwebike, the situation has deepened job insecurity, lowered morale and heightened tension among employees.
He further argued that the persistent labour disputes highlight broader shortcomings in the post-privatisation structure of the electricity industry, urging the Federal Government to convene key stakeholders to address the issues and stabilise the sector.
NUEE warned that if its demands are not met within 21 days of receiving the letter, workers may resort to industrial action using what it described as legitimate labour measures to defend their rights and interests.
The union insisted that its position should not be seen as a threat but as a call for urgent dialogue and reforms to prevent disruption in electricity supply nationwide.
