Tension Rises: Abuja, Three States On Edge Over Looming Electricity Strike

A looming electricity blackout threatens Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, as members of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) have announced plans to embark on an industrial strike.

The two unions, representing staff of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), said the strike is prompted by the company’s continued failure to address unresolved labour issues—despite a prior agreement that led to the suspension of a strike in November 2024.

It’s important to note that AEDC is responsible for power supply to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the neighbouring states of Niger, Nasarawa, and Kogi.

During the previous strike in November, union members picketed AEDC’s headquarters, but the action was called off following a same-day agreement with management.

In new letters addressed to AEDC’s Managing Director and signed by NUEE’s Assistant General Secretary for Liaison, Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, and SSAEAC’s Deputy General Secretary for Corporate Communications, Rosemary Odeh, the unions issued a fresh strike notice. They warned that the industrial action could commence without further notice.

The unions reminded AEDC of the earlier agreement reached on November 27, 2024, and cited several unresolved issues, including:

• 16 months of unremitted pension deductions

• Non-implementation of the National Minimum Wage

• Staff promotion delays spanning over a decade

• Failure to confirm acting appointments and regularize staff placements

• Neglect in converting ad-hoc staff to permanent positions

• Collapse of health services due to unpaid medical bills

• 10 months of unremitted Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxes

• Delays in reviewing and implementing conditions of service and career progression

• Unwarranted interference by the company’s board in daily operations

The unions also accused AEDC of withholding check-off dues, third-party deductions, and failing to disburse the 2024 productivity bonus. They emphasized that despite these setbacks, workers helped the company generate over ₦94 billion within 90 days—achieved with limited tools and poor working conditions.

They further lamented the loss of many members due to work-related stress and difficult conditions.

“In view of the foregoing, we are notifying you of our readiness to resume the suspended strike action effective from November 27, 2024. The strike may begin at any time following the receipt of this letter—no further notice will be issued,” the letter stated.

“All union councils are hereby instructed to fully mobilize across AEDC’s operational areas in Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the FCT,” the unions declared, vowing to sustain the protest until their demands are met.