Drama As Angry Workers Lock Out Tinubu’s Minister, Others, Make Demands

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) halted business activities at the Federal Ministry of Power headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

Members of NUEE and SSAEAC not only barred access to the Power House building in the Maitama District but also prevented the entry of one of President Tinubu’s Ministers, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and other ministry staff.

This move came in tandem with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) setting a deadline of May 31, 2024, for the Federal Government to reverse the recent electricity tariff hike. The decision was reached during a joint National Executive Council meeting.

In a statement issued at the meeting’s conclusion, the unions strongly condemned the unilateral tariff increase, deeming it unjust and burdensome. They demanded an immediate reversal of the hike and urged the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Federal Government to address the issue by the end of May.

Igwebike Dominic, the acting General Secretary of NUEE, affirmed that the shutdown of the power ministry would persist until the government accedes to the unions’ demands or initiates dialogue to resolve the grievances.

In a letter addressed to Minister Adelabu and jointly signed by both unions, dated May 20, 2024, concerns were raised regarding unilateral decisions impacting the power sector. The letter highlighted issues such as the unilateral liquidation of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) without stakeholder consultation, arbitrary tariff increases, and disregard for workers’ welfare.

The unions vehemently opposed deductions from TCN revenue, labeling them as attempts to undermine the company and prepare grounds for its unbundling. They demanded a reversal of these deductions, review of workers’ salaries, and cessation of all arbitrary financial impositions.

Additionally, the unions advocated for electricity rebates for sector employees and insisted that revenue generated by Generation Companies (Gencos) must not bypass TCN until Gencos allow unionization as per labor laws.

The unions vowed to resist any attempts to privatize sector infrastructure for political gain, underscoring their commitment to protecting the interests of workers and the integrity of the power sector.