Blackout looms as electricity workers join NLC strike

Electricity workers have joined the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in its warning strike over the impact of the petrol subsidy removal on the masses.

On September 1, the NLC announced plans to embark on a two-day nationwide strike from Tuesday (today), accusing the federal government of abandoning negotiations.

The group also said the government has failed to implement some of the resolutions reached at previous meetings.

In solidarity with the NLC, electricity distribution companies, earlier on Tuesday, announced that their workers have joined the strike.

In a statement signed by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) management, the company said a general power outage was experienced across its franchise.

The disruption, the company said, was caused by the enforcement of the two-day warning strike by the labour union.

“We apologise for any inconvenience you may be experiencing as a result of this, as we continue our engagement with key stakeholders towards minimising the impact of the strike on our customers,” the statement reads.

In the meantime, the company advised customers to take necessary precautions to manage the power outage effectively.

“Kindly unplug sensitive electronic devices and appliances from power sources pending the restoration of power,” AEDC said.

On its part, the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC) said it has shut down its feeders due to the strike.

In a statement, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, head of corporate communication, said the outages in KEDC’s franchise are due to the warning strike. 

“We regret to announce that the outage being experienced currently in our franchise states is due to the warning strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Labour Congress and its affiliate unions,” Abdullahi said.

“The action has necessitated the shutting down of all 33KV feeders by the striking workers.

“We hope the impasse between the federal government and the NLC shall be resolved soonest so that power supply can be restored. We regret all inconveniences.”

The two-day warning strike embarked on by the NLC has recorded partial compliance in some parts of the country on its first day, as banks ignore calls for participation.