The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened a nationwide strike after Nigerian Air Force personnel allegedly attacked Ikeja Electric workers over a power disconnection. NUEE condemned the assault, demanded justice, and called for urgent measures to ensure worker safety amid rising tensions in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has condemned the attack on Ikeja Electric workers by personnel from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), describing it as “barbaric and unprofessional.” The union has now threatened to halt operations nationwide unless urgent measures are taken to ensure workers' safety.
According to NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, armed Air Force personnel stormed the corporate headquarters of Ikeja Electric and its Oshodi Business Unit, physically assaulting staff and damaging personal property, including phones, laptops, and office equipment. The attack reportedly stemmed from Ikeja Electric's decision to disconnect power to the NAF base over unpaid electricity bills.
The military personnel allegedly detained the Oshodi Business Unit’s Commercial Manager and 13 drivers, torturing them before releasing them. While the workers have regained their freedom, reports indicate they sustained injuries and have yet to recover their confiscated personal belongings.
In response, NUEE has demanded the immediate replacement of damaged property, medical care for affected staff, and a firm commitment from Ikeja Electric, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Ministry of Defence to prevent future attacks. Until these demands are met, the union has instructed members to stay away from their workplaces and warned of a possible nationwide strike.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from industry stakeholders. PowerUp Nigeria’s Executive Director, Adetayo Adegbemle, described the attack as unacceptable and called for legal action against those responsible. Similarly, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) criticized the military’s handling of the dispute, noting that security agencies owe billions in unpaid electricity bills while benefiting from extensive power supply.
The Air Force had previously complained about a prolonged blackout at its Ikeja base, citing risks to sensitive military equipment, including explosives, which require stable electricity. However, Ikeja Electric maintains that the barracks refused prepaid meters and failed to settle outstanding debts.
As the crisis escalates, concerns are growing over potential disruptions in Nigeria’s already fragile electricity supply.
