Nigeria’s national power grid has completely collapsed, plunging the country into darkness after all eleven electricity distribution companies were cut off from power due to a strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
According to Ndidi Mbah, the General Manager of Public Affairs at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the blackout resulted from actions by TCN employees who are members of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE). These employees shut down all power substations across the nation at approximately 2:19 AM on Monday, June 3, causing the entire grid system to collapse.
Read also: Minimum Wage: Shehu Sani on Potential Impact if FG Agrees to 400k Pay
This incident follows a crucial meeting on Sunday, June 2, in Abuja between Labour Unions and the leadership of the National Assembly. During this meeting, the leadership of Organized Labour confirmed their plan to go ahead with the nationwide industrial action starting Monday.
“For now, we don’t have the power to call off the strike; tomorrow (Monday) morning, the strike will kick off as we take their (NASS) plea asking us to call off the strike to our various organs,” said Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), after the meeting.
The decision to strike stems from a stalemate in negotiations with the Federal Government over a new national minimum wage and a recent increase in electricity tariffs. The unions argue that the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 is insufficient for the average Nigerian worker’s needs.
Additionally, they highlight that not all state governors are adhering to the existing wage agreement, which expired in April 2024. This agreement, established under the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 and signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was intended to be reviewed every five years.
The impact of the strike has been immediate and severe, with businesses and homes across the country experiencing significant disruptions due to the power outage. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between the Federal Government and labor unions, as well as the urgent need for a resolution that addresses the workers’ demands.
Read also:
- CBN Revokes Heritage Bank’s Licence
- Minimum Wage: Shehu Sani on Potential Impact if FG Agrees to 400k Pay
- Donald trump found guilty in hush money trial; becomes first ex-U.S. President to be criminally convicted
- Young Woman Forced to Break Spell She Cast on Boyfriend
- BBNaija’s Ka3na Opens Up on Re-Marrying on Husband’s Death Anniversary
- How My Husband Became Impotent After Having an Affair with My Mother – Anne Ndungu Opens Up
- Military Vows Retaliation for IPOB’s Killing of Soldiers in Abia
- Saida BOJ berates BBNaija show, reveals why she can never enroll
- Erisco Food Case: Court Grants Okoli N5m Bail
- Nigerian Man Uses Juju to Boost TapSwap Luck
- Netizens React to Laila Charani’s Comment on Ned Nwoko and Regina Daniels’ Anniversary Post
- Naira Abuse: EFCC Arrests Man for Spraying N200 Notes
- UEFA ownership rule: Manchester United could face Europa League ban
- How to identify when a child is being bullied
