The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have announced plans to embark on a strike over unresolved labour issues.
The unions, representing workers of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), revealed their decision through official letters sent to the AEDC management, although no specific date was mentioned for when the strike will begin.
They warned that the industrial action could lead to a total blackout in Abuja and neighbouring states including Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger.
This latest development comes months after a similar strike was called off in November 2024. At the time, electricity workers had picketed AEDC offices over the same unresolved issues, but the protest was suspended following an agreement reached with the management on the first day of the strike. That agreement, however, has reportedly not been honoured.
The unions listed several reasons for resuming the industrial action. These include the non-remittance of pension deductions for 16 months, non-implementation of the National Minimum Wage, lack of staff promotions for over a decade, and the failure to confirm staff on acting appointments.
They also highlighted issues such as the refusal to regularise staff appointments, failure to convert ad-hoc staff to permanent roles, unpaid hospital bills leading to a collapse of health services, and non-remittance of 10 months of PAYE (Pay As You Earn) taxes. Other complaints include board interference, failure to complete the review of conditions of service, and non-payment of the 2024 productivity bonus.
The unions argue that despite generating N94 billion in revenue within 90 days, AEDC management has failed to improve staff welfare or provide necessary tools for efficient operations. They expressed deep concern over the increasing number of staff deaths, which they attribute to harsh working conditions and stress. According to the unions, the strike can only be avoided if AEDC urgently addresses the listed demands. If ignored, the action could result in widespread blackouts affecting millions of residents and businesses across multiple states.