The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has expressed serious concern over the proposed unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), warning against the arbitrary transfer of workers without due process or proper engagement with organised labour.
In response, the union has directed its members to reject all transfer letters until further instructions are given.
NUEE has also threatened to initiate industrial action if the TCN or the government continues to implement decisions that violate workers’ rights and terms of employment without consulting the union.
The union lamented that multiple letters sent to the TCN Managing Director have been ignored.
Comrade Dominic Igwebike, acting General Secretary of NUEE, said: “We have received reports that TCN has started transferring staff without valid reasons or union consultation, under the guise of the planned Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).”
He pointed out the contradiction between management’s earlier denial of any unbundling plans and its current actions, which bypass the union’s involvement—despite the union being a key stakeholder in the sector.
Igwebike added: “Our members have been instructed not to accept transfer letters or relocate until this issue is fully addressed in dialogue with the union. The management will bear full responsibility for any fallout from these actions. This is not a threat.”
In a previous letter to the TCN MD, NUEE condemned the planned creation of an Independent System Operator (ISO) by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), saying the union had been sidelined in the process.
“As a key stakeholder, it is unacceptable for us to be excluded from critical discussions and decisions that impact the sector and its workforce,” the union said. “Labour must be involved in every stage of the unbundling process to ensure transparency and adherence to best practices.”