Nigeria faces the risk of a nationwide power collapse as electricity workers under the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have commenced an indefinite strike. The industrial action, which began without prior notice, has already led to partial blackouts across several states, with fears growing of a total national grid shutdown if the standoff continues.
The strike, according to NUEE leadership, was prompted by the Federal Government’s failure to address longstanding issues, including poor working conditions, non-payment of entitlements, and neglect of worker safety. They accuse authorities of ignoring multiple warnings and failing to engage in meaningful dialogue.
By the second day of the strike, key power infrastructure, including Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) substations and maintenance operations, were either shut down or running skeletal services. Reports from Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt confirm prolonged outages, with some areas already experiencing over 15 hours of darkness.
Industries and manufacturing plants have begun scaling down operations as they rely heavily on uninterrupted electricity to power machinery. Business owners warn that prolonged power failure could result in massive job losses and production cuts, further worsening the country’s fragile economy.
Healthcare facilities are also feeling the heat. Several government hospitals have switched to diesel generators, which are becoming increasingly unsustainable due to high fuel costs. Health workers fear that life-support systems and critical equipment may be affected if the strike drags on.
Schools and universities have also been impacted, with reports of cancelled lectures and administrative shutdowns due to lack of power. In rural communities, where backup power sources are almost nonexistent, the blackout has plunged thousands into darkness, disrupting livelihoods and small-scale businesses.
NUEE maintains that the strike is not political, but a last resort after months of unmet promises. They insist the government must commit to implementing collective bargaining agreements signed years ago. “Electricity workers are not slaves,” a senior union member said. “We deserve dignity, safety, and our rightful dues.”
The general public has taken to social media to express outrage, frustration, and anxiety over the situation. Hashtags like #NoLightNoLife and #FixPowerNow are trending on X (formerly Twitter), with many Nigerians calling for urgent intervention before the situation escalates into a full-blown national emergency.
As of now, the Federal Government has yet to release a concrete plan of action. While informal talks are reportedly ongoing, no official timeline has been given for a resolution. Analysts warn that the continued silence may only embolden the union and deepen public distrust.
With no end in sight, Nigerians are bracing for a dark, uncertain period. As fuel prices soar and inflation bites harder, uninterrupted electricity remains one of the few necessities many depend on. The current impasse, if not resolved swiftly, could trigger a ripple effect across nearly every sector of the nation.
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