Nigeria Electricity Workers Threaten Nationwide Shutdown

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened to shut down power supply nationwide due to an alleged attack on staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) by armed police officers in Imo State. According to a statement by the union’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the incident occurred at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation, where workers on duty were beaten, held hostage at gunpoint, and some were abducted. The police officers, reportedly acting on the orders of the state government, forced their way into the substation’s control rooms, vandalizing equipment and disrupting operations. The union stated that workers were assaulted, and their personal belongings, including phones, laptops, and vehicles, were destroyed. CCTV cameras were also vandalized during the incident. The NUEE has directed its members to halt power supply operations in Imo State until further notice and has threatened to withdraw services nationwide unless authorities take immediate action to guarantee the safety and protection of electricity workers across the country. The union is demanding the immediate release of its abducted members, a formal undertaking from TCN management, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police to ensure the protection of its members, and the replacement of damaged or taken property. The incident has sparked outrage from the union, which strongly condemns the “reprehensible act” and demands that the police be held accountable for their actions. The NUEE has emphasized that it cannot continue to work under conditions of brutality, intimidation, and threats to life, and that work can only resume when the safety of staff and property is fully guaranteed. The shutdown threat has significant implications for the country’s power supply, and the union’s demands must be addressed promptly to avoid a nationwide disruption. The incident highlights the need for improved security and protection for electricity workers, who play a critical role in maintaining the country’s power infrastructure. The NUEE’s actions aim to ensure that its members can work safely and without fear of violence or intimidation.