NLC Strike Causes Blackout as Workers Shut Down the National Grid

Nigeria’s entire power supply plummeted to zero megawatts as the national grid collapsed due to a complete cessation of electricity to all eleven distribution companies, spurred by the NLC strike.

The blackout, confirmed by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s Public Affairs General Manager, was initiated by TCN workers represented by NUEE, who shut down substations nationwide around 2:19 AM on Monday, June 3.

This shutdown followed discussions between Labour Unions and the National Assembly leadership on June 2, where Organized Labour affirmed their decision to proceed with the strike, dismissing pleas from the National Assembly.

Festus Osifo, President of TUC, reiterated their stance after the meeting, stating their inability to halt the strike, citing unresolved issues regarding the new minimum wage and electricity tariff hikes.

Organized Labour argues that the current ₦30,000 minimum wage is insufficient, especially as some governors fail to comply with the existing agreement, which expired in April 2024, five years after the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 was signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

This impasse underscores the growing dissatisfaction among Nigerian workers with the economic conditions, prompting drastic action from Labour Unions.