Nigerian electricity workers have suspended their nationwide strike following the intervention of the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
The strike, which was called by the National Union of Electricity Employees and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, was prompted by unresolved issues with the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
The workers’ grievances included non-implementation of the national minimum wage, casualization of staff, non-payment of salaries since April 2025, lack of operational tools and vehicles, and failure to provide Personal Protective Equipment since 2021. The strike was expected to cause a nationwide blackout, but the suspension has averted this crisis.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the parties involved, the Transmission Company of Nigeria and the Nigeria Integrated System Operator will meet to evaluate the financial implications of a report and prepare an implementation plan. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has also been directed to expedite its review of tariffs to enable smooth implementation of the agreement.
“No employee will be victimized for participating in the industrial action,” the MoU stated. The unions have agreed to consider the report of a standing committee between October 6 and 7, 2025, for implementation to begin later that month.
The suspension of the strike has brought relief to consumers who rely on a stable power supply. The President of the Nigerian Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Olubiyo, clarified that the outage in parts of Abuja and its environs was due to an operational challenge by the distribution company, not a national grid shutdown.
The development ensures the continued operation of essential services and prevents disruptions to economic activities. As the parties work towards implementing the agreement, there is hope that the power sector will become more stable and efficient.
