A widespread electricity blackout is imminent in Abuja and three surrounding states as electricity workers have issued a strike notice, citing unresolved labor issues with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) announced their readiness to resume an earlier suspended industrial action. The unions, representing AEDC workers, said the company has failed to fulfill promises made following a strike in November 2024.
AEDC is responsible for electricity distribution in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Nasarawa, and Kogi states.
In separate letters addressed to AEDC’s Managing Director, union officials Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon (NUEE) and Rosemary Odeh (SSAEAC) detailed grievances including 16 months of unpaid pension deductions, failure to implement the national minimum wage, lack of staff promotions, and the continued use of ad-hoc staff without regularization.
They also cited a collapse in staff healthcare services and unpaid union dues, among other issues.
According to the unions, AEDC workers have generated N94 billion for the company in the last 90 days, despite working under dire conditions without adequate materials or funding for their business districts.
The unions warned that strike action could commence at any moment, without further notice, and have instructed their councils to begin mobilization across all AEDC franchise areas.
“The struggle shall be sustained until victory is achieved,” the letter concluded.