Nigeria’s major labour unions have strongly opposed the proposed amendment to the Electricity Act, 2025, which seeks to ban industrial actions in the power sector. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have described the move as unconstitutional, anti-worker, and a direct attack on labour rights.
The amendment, currently before the National Assembly, designates the entire Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI)—including generation, transmission, and distribution—as an essential service, restricting strikes, picketing, and lockouts. According to Section 228(H) of the proposed law, any power worker or union embarking on an unapproved strike could face fines of up to N2 million or imprisonment for five years.
The Federal Government insists the reform is necessary to curb labour-induced blackouts and ensure uninterrupted power supply. However, labour leaders have vowed to resist the bill, warning that it violates International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, which protect workers’ rights to organise and engage in collective bargaining.
Reacting to the proposal, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, criticised lawmakers for attempting to use a sectoral law to override the Trade Union Act, which already regulates industrial actions in essential services.
“This is an unrealistic and unjust bill. You cannot beat a child and tell him not to cry,” Ajaero said. “The Trade Union Act already mandates a two-week notice before strikes in essential sectors and allows the Labour Minister to intervene early. Completely banning strikes is a violation of human rights and will be resisted.”
Ajaero warned that passing the bill would embolden employers to withhold salaries and deny basic working tools, knowing workers could not protest.
Backing the NLC’s stance, TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, called the bill “undemocratic and unconstitutional,” urging the National Assembly to withdraw it immediately.
“The right to strike is a core component of collective bargaining. Nigeria is a signatory to ILO 87 and 98. Instead of silencing workers, the government should address the root causes of labour unrest,” Toro said.
Similarly, NUEE Secretary-General, Dominic Igwebike, accused the government of trying to cripple trade unions, adding that electricity workers will resist the amendment through public mobilisation, stakeholder engagement, and legal action.
“This bill is an assault on dignity, freedom, and workers’ rights. We will not allow it to stand,” Igwebike vowed.
The Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy also criticised the amendment, warning that it could trigger a constitutional clash between the Federal Government and states, especially as electricity regulation is now partly decentralised following the 2023 Electricity Act.
The 2023 Electricity Act was enacted to deregulate Nigeria’s power sector, encourage state participation, and integrate renewable energy. However, labour leaders argue that the new amendment wrongly shifts its focus to controlling workers instead of improving electricity supply.
Analysts warn that if passed, the bill could worsen industrial tensions, as unions may resort to alternative forms of protest. Furthermore, legal experts suggest that the proposed amendment could face constitutional challenges in court for violating labour rights protected under Nigeria’s existing labour laws.
The bill is still in its proposal stage, and public hearings are expected before legislative approval. Labour unions have vowed to mobilise nationwide protests if the amendment is passed without consultation.