Fabian

Electricity workers under the umbrella of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over unresolved labour issues in the power sector.

The union issued a 21-day strike notice to the Federal Government, citing widespread anti-labour practices, wage violations, non-remittance of statutory deductions, and growing job insecurity within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

In the notice dated January 26, 2026, and signed by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, the union warned that failure to address the grievances within the stipulated period could lead to industrial action capable of crippling electricity generation and distribution across the country.

Dominic noted that many of the issues have lingered for over 12 years since the privatisation of the electricity sector, accusing the Ministry of Power of showing little interest in resolving them.

“We have written several letters to your highly exalted office on precarious work in NESI, especially in Gencos and Discos, since after the privatisation of the electricity sector for more than 12 years, but the Ministry seems not to be interested in the matter,” the letter stated.

The union accused power sector managements of refusing to negotiate and implement procedural agreements and conditions of service, particularly in generating companies. It also alleged failure to implement the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act and its consequential salary adjustments.

According to NUEE, workers’ constitutional rights to unionise and engage in collective bargaining are being suppressed, with union activities restricted within company premises. The union further alleged that employers deduct union dues and other statutory contributions but fail to remit them.

It also claimed that third-party deductions such as Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes and pension contributions have remained unpaid for extended periods. In some distribution companies, including Kaduna and Kano Discos, pension deductions were reportedly not remitted for as long as 82 months.

The union raised concerns about alleged harassment, intimidation, and threats against workers in some companies, including Ikeja Electric and Egbin Power Plc, describing what it called the “militarisation of the workplace.”

Despite repeated electricity tariff increases, band reclassifications, and improved revenues to power firms, NUEE said workers have seen no promotions, salary increments, or bonuses, while facing public backlash over poor power supply.

“Tariffs have gone up repeatedly, yet there has been no promotion, no increment, no bonuses, and no improvement in working conditions for workers, while customers vent their anger on innocent employees,” the union stated.

NUEE also accused investors of failing to meet post-privatisation commitments such as capital injection, metering expansion, network upgrades, and improved electricity supply, describing the situation as a failure of the privatisation process.

The union urged the Federal Government to urgently convene stakeholders to address the crisis, warning that if the issues are not resolved within 21 days, workers will resort to “legitimate labour actions” to protect their rights.

“We demand the immediate resolution of all these anti-labour issues within twenty-one days of the receipt of this letter. Otherwise, we will not be constrained to take our fate into our hands by employing any legitimate labour weapon suitable for the situation. This is not a threat,” the notice concluded.

Fabian

An early morning explosion disrupted activities at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa on Wednesday, triggering panic among workers and residents nearby.

The blast, which occurred around 6:00 a.m., was reportedly caused by a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted within the secretariat premises. Security agencies swiftly responded, securing the area and restricting movement in and out of the complex while safety checks were conducted.

The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed that no casualties were recorded and no buildings were damaged in the incident.

In a statement issued shortly after the explosion, the Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah, said he personally led the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit, and other tactical teams to the scene.

“The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a suspected IED explosion which occurred today, 11th February 2026, at about 0600hrs within the State Secretariat Complex. I immediately led the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Special Drone Unit, and other tactical teams to the scene,” he stated.

He added that operatives quickly secured the area and conducted a detailed search, during which an unexploded IED was discovered and safely neutralized. “No life was lost and no property was destroyed,” the Commissioner said.

A 60-year-old man, identified as Pentecost Elijah from Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident. He is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

CP Iyamah assured residents that the situation was under control and normalcy had been restored, urging the public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.

Following the incident, the Bayelsa State Government announced a temporary four-hour suspension of work at the secretariat as a precautionary measure. The directive, issued by the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, affected over 6,000 civil servants who were asked to stay away from the complex while security checks were completed.

Security operatives, including the anti-bomb squad, blocked major roads leading to the State Secretariat and Government House, while surveillance teams combed surrounding buildings to rule out further threats.

Authorities later confirmed that the area had been declared safe and normal activities were gradually resuming.

Stephen Olufemi Oni Ilorin

The wife of the Kwara State Governor and Chairperson Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has called for a united and sustained action against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), stating that no religion or culture justifies abuse, oppression, or harmful practices.

Amb. AbdulRazaq, who is also the Founder, Ajike People’s Support Centre, made the call while addressing a high-level advocacy engagement in Ilorin on Tuesday, urging communities, government agencies, and civil society groups to collaborate in promoting dignity, justice, compassion, and respect for human life.

She explained that the engagement was to strengthen advocacy and partnerships to challenge harmful social norms, while ensuring structural support and safe shelters for survivors of gender-based violence.

She said: “Gender-Based Violence is not only a violation of rights; it is also a barrier to development, peace, and social cohesion.

“Yet, beyond physical acts of violence, we must confront the harmful social norms that enable it, norms that excuse abuse, silence survivors, normalize inequality, and teach our children that violence is acceptable or private.

“I commend the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum for its consistent leadership in championing the protection, dignity, and wellbeing of women, children, and vulnerable persons across the country.

“I also extend sincere gratitude to the Ford Foundation for its partnership, technical support, and commitment to social justice, equity, and community-driven change.”

On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Oluwakemi Afolashade, outlined the state government’s interventions, which included emergency response centres, confidential reporting channels, and survivor support systems designed to guarantee safety and dignity.

Mrs Afolashade added that more than 1,000 traditional rulers across the state had been trained to enhance community-level prevention and response.

She described the engagement as a call to action, urging traditional and religious leaders to support the enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and to ensure that survivors are referred to appropriate authorities without fear or stigma.

The Commissioner gave the hotline numbers of the Ministry – 09035509221 or 08069710318 – to call whenever there are cases of domestic or sexual violence, abuse or neglect, among others.

The Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Snr. Apostle Shina Ibiyemi, emphasised the role of moral leadership, noting that religious and traditional leaders wield significant influence over community behaviour and must use it to protect women, children, and other vulnerable persons.

In the same vein, the Imam Imale, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulhamid, said parents and community leaders should take the responsibility of taking proper care of women and the girl-child.

The Commissioner for Social Development, Dr. NnaFatimah Imam, said that preventing gender-based violence requires community ownership, adding that government efforts must be supported by families, community leaders, and faith-based institutions.

Dr. Imam, commended faith-based organisations, including the Women’s Wing of CAN and the Federation of Muslim Women Associations, for their advocacy and sensitization efforts.