Nationwide Blackout Grips Nigeria as TCN Shuts Down Grid Amidst Labour Strike

In a decisive move echoing the call for an indefinite strike by organized labour unions, electricity workers have taken control, shutting down the national grid. The spokesperson for the Transmission Company of Nigeria, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed this development on Tuesday.

Mbah revealed that the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) adhered to directives issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw their services at approximately 11:20 am on Monday. This coordinated action plunged the entire nation into darkness, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing labor dispute.

“Electricity workers are NLC members; they’ve followed the directive by organized labour to withdraw their services from Tuesday,” Mbah emphasized.

Investigations uncovered that the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings are grappling with the consequences of this drastic measure, facing an unprecedented blackout.

This action comes on the heels of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress’s joint announcement of a nationwide indefinite strike, despite a court order expressly restraining the unions from taking such action.

Reacting to the unfolding crisis, the Presidency issued a statement through Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy. The statement condemned the unions’ strike as a flagrant disobedience of a court order and a disregard for the judiciary.

The government expressed profound displeasure, stressing that the nation’s economy and social activities should not be held hostage due to the personal interests of labor leaders. The statement underscored the importance of respecting legal processes and avoiding actions that could adversely affect the well-being of the nation.

SK Blog had previously reported that the unions issued a nationwide strike notice last week, citing an assault on Joe Ajaero, the President of NLC, on November 1, 2023, in Imo State, as a catalyst for their decisive action.