Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Kogi, and Niger states may soon face a total blackout as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a notice to shut down power supply across these regions.
In a notice letter addressed to Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) on Tuesday, NUEE Assistant Secretary General Liaison Opaluwa Simeon outlined 13 unresolved demands that have prompted the planned industrial action.
Workers' Grievances and Demands
The electricity workers' union cited several critical issues including non-remittance of pension deductions for 16 months, failure to implement the national minimum wage of N70,000, and non-confirmation of staff on acting employment.
Other grievances include stagnation of staff promotions for over 10 years, non-payment of the 2024 productivity bonus, collapse of health services due to unpaid hospital bills, and non-remittance of 10 months PAYE tax deductions.
The union emphasized that the planned strike is a continuation of their previously suspended action from November 27, 2024, and could commence anytime following the receipt of the notice without additional warning.
Workers' Contributions Amid Challenges
NUEE highlighted that despite challenging working conditions, electricity workers have significantly boosted AEDC's revenue collection by over N95 billion in the past 90 days. This achievement, according to the union, came without adequate provision of necessary working materials.
"It is also worthy of note that we have significantly lost a huge number of members to death owing to pressure and precarious work conditions," the union stated in its notice.
"The struggle shall be sustained until victory is achieved, as a people united can never be defeated."
The union has directed its councils to commence full mobilization across all AEDC franchise areas in the four affected states for what it described as "an effective action."
Potential Impact on Residents and Businesses
If implemented, the strike would significantly disrupt power supply to millions of residents, businesses, and government institutions across the Federal Capital Territory and the three neighboring states.
The timing is particularly concerning as it comes during a period when many businesses and households are already grappling with increased energy costs and economic challenges.
As of the time of this report, AEDC management has not issued an official response to the union's demands or the strike notice.
Stay connected with BenriNews for updates on this developing situation.
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