On Thursday, the imminent threat of a nationwide blackout was cleverly circumvented as electricity personnel brought their strike to a halt after approximately 10 hours, thanks to the Federal Government’s intervention in the ongoing labor dispute plaguing the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The pivotal understanding was achieved during an urgent gathering orchestrated by the Minister of Power, represented by esteemed officials from the ministry, and included delegates from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the management of TCN, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) in Abuja.
The strike, ignited by a series of unresolved welfare and operational concerns, had sparked apprehensions about an impending nationwide blackout.
However, after hours of extensive discussions, both parties reached significant resolutions that facilitated the suspension of the industrial action.
As per the communiqué released at the conclusion of the meeting, the unions heeded the Minister’s plea to reassess the report from a standing committee by October 6–7, 2025, with implementation scheduled to commence later in the same month.
Furthermore, the communiqué indicated that TCN and NISO would collaboratively examine the financial ramifications of the committee’s report and devise an implementation strategy for submission to the Minister of Power and the unions. Both unions and the management are also expected to reconvene for another meeting to settle any remaining issues.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) was additionally directed to fast-track its tariff review to ensure seamless execution of the agreement. Crucially, all parties consented that no employee would face retribution for participating in the strike.
With these resolutions in place, the unions declared the suspension of their strike, allowing for the agreements to be enacted.
Labor leaders characterized the outcome as a “measured victory” while cautioning that they would not hesitate to resume industrial action if the government or TCN fails to uphold the accord.
This development has alleviated mounting anxiety nationwide, where fears of a protracted blackout had enveloped homes and businesses. NUEE had commenced an indefinite strike the day before, accusing the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) of neglecting employee welfare and crucial operational matters.
In a circular dated September 24, 2025, NUEE’s acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, stated that the union could no longer remain passive while members’ rights were trampled and the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) continued its downward spiral.
The workers’ grievances encompass the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage, casualization of staff, unpaid salaries since April 2025, lack of essential operational tools and vehicles, and failure to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) since 2021.
