The planned nationwide strike by electricity workers has been suspended following late-night negotiations with the Federal Government in Abuja.
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) had earlier threatened to shut down power supply across the country over unpaid minimum wage arrears and other grievances involving the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
After hours of dialogue with the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside labour leaders, an agreement was reached on Thursday night. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by government representatives, the unions, TCN, and the National Independent System Operator (NISO).
According to the MoU, the report of a standing committee will be reviewed between October 6 and 7, after which its implementation is expected to commence. Both TCN and NISO have also been directed to work out the financial details and present an action plan to the minister and the unions.
The agreement further outlined that additional meetings would be convened to address other unresolved demands of electricity workers. Crucially, the deal guarantees that no employee will face disciplinary action for participating in the strike.
The unions, while suspending the industrial action, said the decision was taken to allow government and management time to implement the resolutions reached during the talks.
Report by: Ubi Komonmo | Edited by: Chris Odjomah