In furtherance of the industrial action started on Wednesday by the workers of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, the national grid was shutdown resulting in blackout across the country. The strike by the workers under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, was triggered by the directive of the TCN Board that all Principal Managers who are in acting capacity must undergo promotion interviews.

As at 10 am on Wednesday, the strike had began as the protesting workers had blocked the entrance to the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, headquarters building labelled Power House in Abuja, according to one of the TCN workers who spoke to AljazirahNigeria under anonymity.

To further confirm, a check on the System Operator’s website then showed that the grid dropped from 4,149 Megawatts recorded at 6am to 2,600MW, and further checks saw it falling gradually until supply went out completely.

The building houses the Federal Ministry of Power where the Minister of Power and the Minister of State, Power have their offices. Their action locked out staff of the Ministry as well as both ministers and their aides.

In a letter served earlier, NUEE General Secretary, Joe Ajaero had called out the workers for strike saying the directive for promotion interview in the company by the authorities contravened the workers’ condition of service and career progression path.

The Union had earlier issued notice on plans to call the strike if their demands were not heard and met.