Workers in Nigeria’s electricity sector have threatened industrial unrest, citing poor working conditions and alleged anti-labor practices by power companies, the National Union of Electricity Employees said Wednesday.
Acting General Secretary Dominic Igwebike sent a letter to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, giving the government a 21-day ultimatum to address the concerns of employees in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, particularly at power-generating companies (Gencos) and distribution firms (Discos).
Igwebike alleged that employers in the sector have acted above the law, refusing to collectively negotiate and implement procedural agreements and conditions of service. He said they also failed to comply with the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act, hindered unionization of workers on company premises, and neglected improvements to workers’ overall conditions.
“The lackadaisical attitude of employers and management in the power sector and the ministry indicates they are not interested in the matter,” Igwebike said, adding that the situation has left workers apprehensive, restive, and concerned about job security.
He described the issues as evidence of the failure of the sector’s privatization and urged the government to intervene and bring the parties together.
“In view of the foregoing, we wish to demand the immediate resolution of all these anti-labor issues within 21 days of receipt of this letter. We will not be constrained to take our fate into our hands by employing all legitimate labor weapons suitable for the situation to defend the rights and interests of our members. This is not a threat,” Igwebike said.
The union represents thousands of employees across Nigeria’s power generation and distribution companies.
