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Nationwide blackout looms as electricity workers down tools

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Electricity consumers relying on the national grid may face a prolonged blackout within hours as the National Union of Electricity Employees on Wednesday began a nationwide strike over unresolved labour disputes with the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

The union, in a circular signed by its Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, directed its members across the country to withdraw their services indefinitely until management addresses long-standing welfare and operational concerns.

According to NUEE, the strike became inevitable after the expiration of an ultimatum issued to TCN, accusing the company of failing to address grievances bordering on poor staff welfare, non-provision of essential tools, and disregard for workers’ rights.

“Unfortunately, the TCN management has decided to handle these issues with kid gloves and with a lack of regard for the hardworking staff of TCN,” the notice read in part.

“We cannot continue to fold our arms while we watch our rights being violated and the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry going down the drain. To this end, the Union is compelled to withdraw its services”, it added.

The union listed its demands to include, “Implementation of the National Minimum Wage, end to casualisation of workers, provision of working tools and materials, payment of staff salaries owed since April 2025.

“Provision of operational vehicles, supply of Personal Protective Equipment, last provided in 2021, resolution of issues arising from the unbundling of TCN and payment of outstanding retirement benefits.”

The directive, which takes immediate effect, mandates “total compliance” from all electricity workers nationwide.

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The development raises fears of another wave of power outages across the country.

NUEE had previously shut down operations in June 2024, a move that crippled power supply in many states and forced the Federal Government into emergency negotiations.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the TCN spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, proved unsuccessful as she did not respond to calls or messages at the time of filing this report.

The strike comes amid repeated government promises to reform the power sector, which has struggled with low generation, poor infrastructure, and labour unrest despite years of privatisation and interventions.

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Build Nigeria from grassroots, not just Abuja, Lagos – Ex-presidential candidate

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Adewole Adebayo, leader of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, and its presidential flagbearer in the 2023 general election, has stressed that Nigeria’s long-term progress lies in nurturing safe, productive and self-sustaining communities at the grassroots.

Adebayo spoke in Numan, Adamawa State, at a reception organised in his honour following the conferment of a traditional title on him by the Bachama kingdom.

While addressing traditional rulers, community leaders and residents, he described the Bachama people as a vital component of the Nigerian project, noting that the destiny of the nation is inseparable from the wellbeing of its local communities.

“The development of this land is the development of Nigeria because Nigeria is not just an idea; it is the land and the people,” he said.

He portrayed Numan and its environs as a rich heritage placed in the care of its people, urging citizens to take collective responsibility for nurturing the land, ensuring fair access to resources and raising families in conditions of safety and dignity.

The SDP leader also raised concerns about what he termed the over-centralisation of governance, arguing that efforts to drive national development primarily from Lagos in the past and later from Abuja have yielded limited success.

“The only time Nigeria will truly work is when we build it from the communities,” he said, adding that the true measure of national strength should be seen in the safety of homes, the quality of education and the freedom of young people to grow without fear.

According to him, meaningful development must allow families to farm, rear livestock, educate their children and participate actively in the economy within their local environments.

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Drawing parallels with countries such as the United States, Germany and Russia, Adebayo said enduring national success is built by citizens who flourish in their towns and villages, supported by access to electricity, water, security and economic opportunities.

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FG spent billions on Conference Centre but primary schools remain shut in FCT – Peter Obi

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The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed displeasure at the lingering strike by primary schools teachers in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

In a post on his official X handle, Obi said it is worrisome that the government spent billions of naira to renovate the International Conference Centre while primary schools in the nation’s capital remain on strike.

According to him, education is a cornerstone of national development.

He lamented that countless children remain out of school and those in school cannot attend because of insecurity or teachers’ strikes.

“This is particularly tragic in Abuja, the seat of government, where schools remain shuttered.

“This is the same Abuja where billions were squandered on renovating a conference centre for the president and Bus Terminals.

“One must question whether our leaders genuinely appreciate the vital role of education,” he wrote.

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See also  FG suspends planned 15% import duty on PMS, diesel
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Officers behind foiled coup knew consequences of their action – Defense Minister

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Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, rtd, says military officers arrested over the foiled coup knew the consequences of their action and are ready to face the wrath.

Musa said this when he appeared on TRT World, a Turkish broadcaster, stating that the accused persons would receive a fair trial, with access to legal counsel of their choice.

According to him, families of the alleged coup plotters would be looked after by the government.

“They must have made up their minds when they decided to do this and must have considered their families.

“But even at that, the government is ensuring that their families are treated fairly.

“Their family members are not left alone. The government is making sure that their wives and children are looked after.

“The perpetrators already know the repercussion of their action, and I’m sure they are ready to face the wrath,” he said.

It was recalls that the 16 implicated officers, including a Brigadier-General and Colonel, were arrested in October 2025 by the defence headquarters, DHQ.

The DHQ, on January 26, finally confirmed that there was a plot to oust President Bola Tinubu.

According to the military, the plot uncovered in late September 2025 through joint intelligence from the army, Department of State Services, DSS, and Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, allegedly involved plans to assassinate Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and other top government figures, as well as arrest senior military leaders.

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