If you have been keeping abreast of the latest developments in Nigeria, then you probably know that electricity workers down tool yesterday, a development that led to a nation-wide power blackout.
On Naija Twitter, Nigerians in their large numbers are ranting about this development. Little wonder things like NEPA, National Grid, and PHCN have been trending since yesterday.
Nairametrics reported that the blackout is due mainly to an industrial strike action that was embarked upon by electricity workers in the country. The strike was embarked upon after the Nigerian Government failed to negotiate with the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) over an industrial crisis that has lingered.
[READ ALSO: Ikeja Electric reacts to viral videos, declares war on anyone who assaults its staff]
DisCos like Ikeja Electric, yesterday, informed its customers about the strike, warning them to brace for the blackout that would ensue. Indeed, there was blackout across most parts of Lagos State and elsewhere. But then again, Nigerians were not really surprised.
UPDATE – This is to inform you that the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has embarked on a Nationwide strike effective December 11, 2019. It is important to state that the grievances of the Union… https://t.co/O3yjPCSC66
— Ikeja Electric (@IkejaElectric) December 11, 2019
What they said on Twitter
Nigerians’ reactions to the nation-wide power blackout are as thought-provoking as they are hilarious. Many of those commenting on Twitter were not really surprised by the industrial action embarked upon by the electricity workers. In the same vein, they were not quite surprised by the blackout that heralded the strike. As a matter of fact, some were even happy about the development because now, “they won’t be paying bills for no reason”.
When NEPA goes on strike and Nigerians realize they won’t be paying bills for no reason🤪
MOOD: pic.twitter.com/gwWQt3W0bk
— Pookie Tips (@pookietips) December 12, 2019
Another Twitter user identified as Udo Chukwudubem posted a rather thought-provoking tweet that a lot of Nigerians can relate to. We have no further comment about the tweet. So, just take a look at it.
https://twitter.com/chukz_b/status/1205011152641691648
Oga Kpatapata even said that electricity workers in Nigeria have actually been on strike for decades but only decided to make it official yesterday. Again, we have no further comment about that.
https://twitter.com/SabuDaniels/status/1205040301917851649
Somebody else had a rather interesting suggestion for power holding companies in Nigeria. According to them, the electricity workers should have just left the light on before embarking on their strike action. Other Twitter users supported this suggestion.
https://twitter.com/AmooDaniel_/status/1205020302712987649
https://twitter.com/Turbolami/status/1204884777725300736
In the meantime, the strike had been called off. Nairametrics confirmed the development through a press statement that was issued by Ikeja Electric.
Whether they go on strike or not as far as General Electricity supply was not or is not 24Hours Nigerians are use to it.
If it is really business as we claim the GenCoys , TCN and DisCoys are doing, they’d use a better business model independent of Nigerian government support, Supply electricity 24 Hrs and bill us properly, let us Nigerians will not pay. If Nigerian government cannot pay for the power they use, cut them off( disconnect)