The national electricity grid has been shut down as a result of the indefinite strike declared by organized labor unions, according to Ndidi Mbah, the spokesperson for the Transmission Company of Nigeria. She confirmed this information exclusively to DAILY POST on Tuesday.
Mbah stated that the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), comprising electricity workers, adhered to the directives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and withdrew their services around 11:20 am on Monday. This led to a nationwide blackout.
“Electricity workers are NLC members; they’ve followed the directive by organized labor to withdraw their services from Tuesday,” she explained.
The Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings are reportedly experiencing a blackout as a result of the strike. The strike was announced by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, commencing on Tuesday, despite a court order restraining the unions from taking such action.
In response to the situation, the Presidency, represented by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, criticized the unions’ decision to go on strike, describing it as a flagrant disobedience to a court order and a lack of respect for the judiciary. The government expressed displeasure, emphasizing that the nation’s economy and social activities should not suffer due to the personal interests of labor leaders.
Last week, the unions issued a nationwide strike notice in protest of the assault on Joe Ajaero, the President of NLC, on November 1, 2023, in Imo State.
