AEDC Pledges to Settle Workers’ Entitlements Amid Strike Threat

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), responsible for electricity supply across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Nasarawa, and Kogi states, has committed to addressing the grievances of its workers following threats of industrial action that could plunge these regions into darkness.

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) issued separate strike notices on June 3 and 4, 2025, citing unresolved labor issues, including 16 months of unremitted pension deductions, non-implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage, and lack of promotions for over a decade.

The unions also highlighted the collapse of health services due to unpaid hospital bills, non-remittance of 10 months of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes, and non-payment of 2024 productivity bonuses, despite workers generating over N95 billion in revenue in the past 90 days.

In response, AEDC’s Managing Director, Chijioke Okwuokenye, on June 5, 2025, pledged to settle all legitimate allowances promptly, emphasizing the company’s commitment to staff welfare.

“Management has been engaging constructively with the union representatives regarding the notice of industrial action. We are committed to ensuring that all legitimate allowances owed to staff are settled promptly, subject to our financial processes and regulatory compliance,” Okwuokenye stated.

He added, “We have already initiated dialogue with the union leadership to address their concerns transparently and to seek a mutually agreeable resolution. Our employees are at the heart of all we do, and their well-being is paramount.”

The unions’ frustration stems from a November 27, 2024, agreement to suspend a prior strike after AEDC promised to address these issues, including non-confirmation of acting appointments, refusal to convert ad-hoc staff to permanent status, and undue board interference in daily operations.

NUEE’s Assistant General Secretary, Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, noted in a letter that workers have faced “precarious work conditions,” leading to significant staff deaths due to stress.

“We have significantly lost a huge number of members to death owing to pressure and precarious work conditions,” the letter read, signaling readiness to resume the suspended action without further notice.

SSAEAC, in a letter signed by Deputy General Secretary Rosemary Odeh, gave a two-week ultimatum, warning that failure to act would disrupt operations.

“The tremendous improvement in cash collections of over N98 billion in the last three months was made possible through the dedication of the entire workforce,” Odeh stated, underscoring the workers’ contributions.

AEDC’s assurance follows a history of labor tensions, with a 2021 strike causing widespread outages until federal intervention secured a 21-day payment commitment.

The current situation remains critical, as the unions have mobilized workers across AEDC’s franchise areas for potential action.

Okwuokenye expressed optimism, saying, “We are confident that, through continued negotiation, we will avert any disruption to our operations.”

However, union leaders remain skeptical, with NUEE’s Zonal Organising Secretary, Ayodele Kolade, previously warning, “If there is no immediate implementation of our demands, this picketing will escalate into a complete shutdown.”

As dialogue continues, residents of Abuja and the affected states await a resolution to avoid a looming blackout.