We are a committed, progressive trade union representing workers across Nigeria’s electricity sector. Our mandate is to protect the rights, welfare, and dignity of every electricity worker, from generation to transmission and distribution.
Built on the principles of solidarity, justice, and democratic participation, we stand as a united voice against policies that threaten jobs, livelihoods, and the nation’s energy future.
We engage government, industry stakeholders, and international partners to ensure that every decision affecting the power sector puts workers and the public first.
Driven by courage, resilience, and a strong sense of history, we continue to defend fair labour practices, promote transparency, and champion the social responsibilities of the state in delivering affordable and reliable electricity for all.
The story behind
The story of our union is inseparable from the history of electricity in Nigeria. The nation’s journey with electric power began in 1896, when two small 30kW generating units were installed to serve the city of Lagos. Over the following decades, as towns across Nigeria established isolated electricity undertakings, the industry grew in scale and complexity, but its workforce had no unified voice, no platform for justice, and no structure to protect their rights.
By 1946, the Nigerian Government Electricity Undertaking (NGEU) emerged under the old Public Works Department (PWD), and by 1951, the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) was created to manage and expand electricity supply nationwide. Other players, such as NESCO in Jos and African Timber & Plywood in Sapele, also provided power in different regions. With rapid expansion came a pressing need: workers required representation, fairness, and dignity.
The Birth of Worker Consciousness
As Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure expanded, marked by milestones like the commissioning of the 132kV Lagos–Ibadan line in 1961 and the establishment of the Niger Dams Authority (NDA) in 1962, industry staff faced increasing challenges. Despite long hours, demanding conditions, and limited labour protection, early attempts to form unions often collapsed under fear of victimization.
Yet, courage rose through a few determined pioneers:
E. I. Ekwerike, M. O. Oladiran, and Mr. Porbeni, among others. These men took bold steps to organize electricity workers and demand fair treatment. Their efforts culminated in the establishment of the Electrical Workers Union (ELECTRUN) on June 10, 1954, formally registered in 1955. It became the first real platform where workers could collectively demand fair pay, improved conditions, and recognition of their rights.
ELECTRUN grew rapidly. It negotiated improved working conditions, influenced job evaluation systems, and helped facilitate the Nigerianization of top administrative roles, paving the way for indigenous leadership in the power sector.
Growth, Challenges & Union Fragmentation
Despite its early successes, ELECTRUN would soon face internal turbulence. By 1959, ideological disagreements and allegations of sabotage led to internal rifts. Some members were suspended after an investigative panel, and a faction broke away to form the All-Nigerian Union of Electrical and Allied Employees (UNIPOWER).
This fragmentation created tension between the unions and allowed external forces including high-level management to exploit the divisions. Nevertheless, the spirit of collective struggle and worker advocacy continued to grow across the industry.
Merger of ECN & NDA and the Rise of NEPA
By 1972, the Federal Government sought a more coherent energy structure and merged ECN and the NDA to form the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) through Decree No. 24. As the sector centralized, unions continued to champion worker rights, fair treatment, and improved welfare across the expanding national grid.
The Privatization Struggle
With the return of civilian rule, the Government advanced a sweeping reform agenda centered on privatization often without transparent consultation. Many public assets, including NITEL and others, were swiftly privatized. When privatization discussions reached the power sector, the union strongly opposed the process because it:
- Was hasty and lacked stakeholder consultation
- Threatened mass job losses
- Jeopardized national economic heritage
- Contradicted the Government’s social responsibility to provide affordable electricity
The union resisted vigorously through advocacy, legal actions, public campaigns, and national mobilization. The Union challenged the process in court, published caveats such as “Buy PHCN, Buy Lawsuits,” and articulated alternative models rooted in fairness, transparency, and national interest.
We engaged policymakers, wrote to government leaders, and mobilized workers across PHCN. A notable moment was the April 25, 2007 National Prayer Session, uniting Christian and Muslim members to seek divine intervention. Plans for mass workforce leave were only suspended due to intervention from the Ministry of Labour.
Despite pressures, intimidation, and attempts to suppress dissent, the union maintained its stand that the electricity sector, vital to national development must not be dismantled through opaque, anti-worker policies.
A Continuing Struggle for Justice and Transparency
Under subsequent administrations, including President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s, aspects of the privatization process were slowed, reviewed, or reconsidered. The union welcomed opportunities for genuine dialogue, such as participation in technical panels aimed at improving efficiency, while firmly opposing any attempt to undermine worker welfare or promote back-door deals.
Through all phases of reform, the union stood resilient, confronting authoritarian tendencies, defending democratic values, and championing fair consultations in national policy.
Our Legacy Today
Our journey is one of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. From the first sparks of electricity in Lagos in 1896 to today’s highly complex power sector, the union has:
- Defended jobs and livelihoods
- Championed transparency and due process
- Resisted policies that harm workers and weaken national assets
- Promoted fairness, professionalism, and public accountability
- Built solidarity across Nigeria and internationally, including affiliation with Public Services International (PSI)
The struggle is ongoing, but our resolve remains unshakeable. We stand firm ready to negotiate, ready to resist, and ready to protect the rights and dignity of electricity workers across Nigeria.
This is our story. This is our legacy.
And the fight for justice continues.