Nigerian workers in the telecommunications and electricity sectors have threatened to shut down the National Grid and telecom services

Nigerian workers in the telecommunications and electricity sectors have threatened to shut down the National Grid and telecom services if the Nigeria Police Force arrests Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The threat, issued by the General Secretaries of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the National Union of Postal and Telecommunications Employees (NUPTE), is set to take effect from midnight on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

The police summoned Ajaero for questioning on allegations related to terrorism financing, but the NLC president declined the invitation due to its late delivery, proposing instead to attend on August 29. In response, NUEE and NUPTE have announced that their members will cease work if Ajaero is detained. The NLC has also threatened a nationwide strike if the arrest proceeds, which could significantly impact Nigeria’s economy, given the crucial role of electricity and telecom services.