Nigeria has averted a nationwide electricity blackout as government officials and electricity workers reached a truce, calling off a looming strike that threatened to disrupt power supply across the country. The intervention by the Federal Ministry of Power and extensive negotiations culminated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on September 25, 2025, between the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), and representatives of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), and the government.

The strike, initially slated to commence after the expiration of a union-issued ultimatum on September 23, 2025, was prompted by unresolved labour grievances, including demands for implementation of the national minimum wage, provision of operational tools, outstanding salaries, better welfare conditions, and settlement of overdue retirement benefits. The workers, who had already begun withdrawing their services, threatened to paralyse the electricity sector, raising fears of widespread power outages.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented by top ministry directors, took swift action to mitigate the crisis by engaging the unions in dialogue. Both unions agreed to suspend the strike, contingent on reviewing a standing committee’s report scheduled for October 6–7, 2025. This committee, tasked with addressing labour and operational issues, will have its recommendations implemented starting in October, following evaluation of their financial implications by TCN and NISO management.

The MoU outlines that TCN and NISO will jointly develop an implementation plan based on the committee’s findings, to be presented to the Minister of Power and union representatives. A follow-up meeting is planned to resolve outstanding issues, while the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has been directed to expedite tariff reviews to facilitate effective implementation.

Crucially, the agreement ensures no employee will face victimisation for participating in the earlier industrial action, underscoring the government’s commitment to fair labour practices. Acting General Secretary of NUEE, Dominic Igwebike, expressed optimism that the suspension would pave the way for constructive negotiations and long-term improvements in the electricity sector.

The strike’s suspension is significant given Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with power supply challenges, including insufficient generation capacity and ageing infrastructure, which have posed continuous hardships for businesses and households. Suspension of the strike prevents an imminent blackout, allowing critical services to continue uninterrupted and safeguarding the stability of Nigeria’s power grid.

Experts and analysts highlight that sustained dialogue and stakeholder cooperation will be vital to resolving deep-rooted sector issues. Professor Amina Yusuf, a power sector analyst, noted, “This truce is a positive step, but it requires diligent follow-through. Labour welfare, efficient operations, and regulatory clarity must align to enhance service delivery and worker satisfaction.”

In conclusion, the truce between the government and electricity workers represents a critical moment for Nigeria’s power industry. While immediate crisis has been averted, attention now turns to implementing agreed reforms and maintaining collaborative labour relations to achieve long-term sector stability and improved electricity access for Nigerians.