From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over what it describes as worsening conditions at the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
The union cited the deaths of seven workers in the space of one month, emphasising that the fatalities were caused by the collapse of health services within the company and persistent neglect of employee welfare.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Managing Director of AEDC, Deputy General Secretary (Corporate Communications), Rosemary Odeh, accused the management of failing to act on long-standing issues affecting staff wellbeing and morale, despite significant revenue growth in recent months.
“Suffice to state that the tremendous improvement in cash collections of over N98 billion in the last three months resulting in the attainment of new revenue peaks and other achievements were made possible through the commitment and dedication of the entire workforce,” Odeh wrote.
The union said it has run out of patience following years of unfulfilled promises. Among the grievances listed are the non-payment of the 2024 productivity bonus, the non-remittance of pension deductions for 18 months, and the company’s failure to implement the national minimum wage. Workers are also angry over the inconclusive review of the conditions of service, irregular staff placements, and what they describe as management’s refusal to confirm acting appointments and promote deserving staff since 2013.
Odeh also accused the company of failing to implement a career progression structure, withholding union dues deducted from salaries, and neglecting to fund operational districts or procure necessary working materials. She noted that despite these challenges, staff have remained committed to their duties, delivering unprecedented results in revenue collection.
However, with no visible steps from the company to address these lingering issues, the union says it is prepared to act. “Management is hereby put on notice to resolve all the outstanding issues within one week of receipt of this letter without any further notice, as this will no longer be accepted by our association,” Odeh stated.
She added that all union officers have been placed on alert to activate a previous strike notice issued on November 5, 2024, should the demands remain unmet. “Consequently, all officers are hereby directed to be on standby to resume with the earlier notice of November 5, 2024,” she declared.
The threat of industrial action comes at a critical time for the AEDC, which supplies power to Nigeria’s capital city and parts of Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger states. With tensions mounting and no resolution in sight, the prospect of a prolonged blackout looms large.
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