In line with the joint directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to strike on Monday over the new minimum wage, the National Grid has been completely shut down, resulting in a nationwide blackout.
This was made known by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, on Monday morning.
The TCN through its statement revealed that all operators were driven away from the control room, and staff who resisted were beaten at several power facilities.
The statement in part reads;
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby informs the general public that the Labour Union has shut down the national grid, resulting in a nationwide blackout. The national grid shutdown occurred at about 2:19 am this morning, 3rd June 2024.
“At about 1:15 am this morning, the Benin Transmission Operator under the Independent System Operations unit of TCN reported that all operators were driven away from the control room, and staff who resisted were beaten, with some sustaining injuries during the process. Consequently, the Benin Area Control Centre was rendered inoperative without any form of control or supervision.
“Other transmission substations shut down by the Labour Union include the Ganmo, Benin, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba, and Osogbo Transmission Substations. Additionally, some transmission lines were also opened due to the ongoing activities of the labour union.
