The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced that its workers have deliberately shut down the national power grid as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) began a nationwide strike. The industrial action, which started on Monday, protests the Federal Government’s proposed ₦60,000 minimum wage.
TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah stated that the shutdown occurred early on June 3, 2024, at 2:19 AM, following the forced closure of several transmission substations by labour union members. This action led to a nationwide blackout.
Key transmission substations, including Benin, Ganmo, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba, and Osogbo, were shut down by union members. Additionally, the Jebba Generating Station was forced to shut down one of its generating units, causing high frequency and system instability, which contributed to the grid’s collapse.
Efforts to recover the grid began at 3:23 AM, focusing on the Shiroro Substation to restore electricity supply. However, the labour union’s ongoing obstruction is hindering full grid recovery. TCN assured the public that efforts to stabilize the grid and restore normal electricity transmission are ongoing.
4o