Nationwide Blackout Looms Sunday as Electricity Workers Vows to Join Labour Strike

Nigeria is bracing for nationwide blackouts starting Sunday at midnight, as electricity workers plan to down tools in support of an indefinite strike organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Dominic Igwebike, the acting General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), confirmed the impending service withdrawal in a notice released on Friday. This move is part of a broader action against the federal government’s failure to sign and implement a new minimum wage, and the controversial 240 percent electricity tariff hike enacted on April 3.

“The withdrawal of services becomes effective Sunday, June 2, at midnight,” Igwebike stated.

SK Blog had reported that the labour unions had announced the indefinite strike would commence on Monday, escalating tensions nationwide.

The federal government had proposed a new minimum wage of N60,000, which was rejected by the organized labor, who are demanding N400,000. The labor strike also aims to push for the reduction of the current electricity tariff from N208.80 per kilowatt-hour to N65.