A nationwide blackout looms in Nigeria as electricity workers have issued a three-day ultimatum to authorities to address the alleged assault, arrest, and humiliation of 10 electricity workers by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel in Bauchi state. The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) said it would ground electricity sector operations nationwide if the authorities failed to act by the end of the ultimatum. The ultimatum runs from September 21 to September 23.
According to Rilwanu Shehu, national deputy president of SSAEAC, the NAF personnel invaded the Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) operation office in Bauchi on September 18 after electricity workers disconnected power to the NAF quarters along the Ningi-Kano Road over unpaid electricity bills. The company had notified the NAF authorities before the disconnection. Shehu alleged that the personnel arrested and assaulted 10 workers before taking them to an undisclosed location.
Some of the affected workers are receiving medical treatment following the alleged maltreatment. Shehu said the union would pursue all legal channels to protect its members and seek justice. The SSAEAC president emphasized that the association would not tolerate any act of injustice, intimidation, or harassment against its members. The incident has sparked widespread concern among electricity workers and stakeholders.
The leadership of SSAEAC and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), accompanied by officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), visited the Bauchi commissioner of police and the state director of the Department of State Services (DSS) to report the incident. The unions urged the security agencies to intervene and resolve the matter amicably.
Sikamta Mshelinga, Bauchi branch chairman of NUEE, said workers would remain at home and withdraw their services pending further directives from the national leadership. The development has raised concerns about the potential impact on the nation's electricity supply. A nationwide strike by electricity workers could plunge the country into darkness, affecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
The incident occurred after a series of disconnections of electricity supply to NAF installations over unpaid bills. The NAF personnel's alleged assault on the electricity workers has sparked outrage and condemnation from various stakeholders. The SSAEAC and NUEE have vowed to take all necessary steps to protect their members and ensure their safety while carrying out their duties.
The ultimatum issued by SSAEAC has heightened tensions in the electricity sector, with workers and stakeholders anxiously waiting for the authorities to respond. The situation remains volatile, with the possibility of a nationwide blackout looming large if the authorities fail to address the grievances of the electricity workers.
Key points
- Electricity workers in Nigeria have issued a three-day ultimatum to authorities to address the alleged assault of 10 workers by NAF personnel.
- A nationwide strike by electricity workers could plunge the country into darkness, affecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
- The incident occurred after a series of disconnections of electricity supply to NAF installations over unpaid bills.
