Nigeria faces possible nationwide blackout as electricity workers threaten strike

Nigeria faces possible nationwide blackout as electricity workers threaten strike

Nigeria’s power sector is facing a fresh crisis as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened to shut down power operations nationwide following an alleged violent attack on workers of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) by armed police officers at the Egbu 132/33kV substation in Imo State.

In a strongly worded statement, NUEE described the incident as a “brutal invasion” and ordered all electricity workers in Imo State to withdraw their services immediately, warning that a nationwide blackout could follow if staff safety is not guaranteed.

According to the union, police officers—allegedly acting on the orders of the Imo State government—beat workers, held them hostage at gunpoint, vandalised control rooms, and abducted some staff during the attack.

READ ALSO:

• Nigerian man stabs professor father to death, attacks sisters in U.S domestic assault
• Princess demands Baba Ijesha’s name be added to sex offender register after release
• Christian Killings: Ted Cruz rejects Nigerian government’s defence, demands action

NUEE Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, said:

“These officers forcibly invaded the control rooms and compelled operators to grant an illegal outage. They beat, molested and assaulted every staff member in sight. Personal belongings were destroyed, and staff abducted.”

The union is demanding:

• Immediate release of abducted workers
• Full compensation for damaged staff property
• Medical treatment for injured workers
• A formal undertaking from the Federal Ministry of Power, TCN and the Inspector General of Police guaranteeing worker safety

NUEE warned that failure to address these demands would result in a full nationwide shutdown of electricity supply.

Police Deny Abduction Allegations

However, the Imo State Police Command has denied the claims of hostage-taking or abduction, describing the incident as an “operational disagreement” between Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and Orashi Electricity Distribution Company.

Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, said:

“Preliminary findings show no indication that TCN or NISO personnel were abducted or forced to disconnect any facility.”

The police say a full investigation has been ordered by the State Criminal Investigation Department, while assuring residents that the situation is under control.

Nigeria faces possible nationwide blackout as electricity workers threaten strike