Electricity Workers Protest at AEDC Headquarters Over Unresolved Grievances

 

On Wednesday morning, members of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) staged a protest at the headquarters of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), disrupting operations in response to unresolved labor issues.

The protesting workers, who arrived at the AEDC office in the early hours, carried placards and blocked the entrance, preventing staff from entering the premises. The unions’ grievances include unpaid pension arrears, poor working conditions, the casualization of workers, non-compliance with the national minimum wage, and other issues they claim violate Nigerian labor laws.

The demonstration was led by SSAEAC Branch President, Comrade Raymond Okoro, and NUEE Zonal Organizing Secretary, Comrade Ayodele Kolade. During the protest, they presented their demands to AEDC’s Managing Director, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, urging swift action to address their concerns or face potential large-scale industrial action.

In his address, Comrade Okoro condemned AEDC’s failure to remit 15 months’ worth of pension contributions, calling it a financial crime under Nigerian law. He also criticized the company for failing to provide medical benefits, offering subpar salaries, and neglecting staff promotions.

“Failure to remit pension deductions is fraud. Workers are turned away from hospitals due to unpaid bills and left to suffer. Casual workers, some of whom have been employed for over a decade, still earn below the legal minimum wage. This must stop,” Okoro stated.

The unions also accused AEDC management of intimidating employees and alleged that interference from the AEDC board in daily operations had led to inefficiency and stagnation.

Comrade Kolade lamented the unions’ history of unfulfilled promises from the AEDC management and constant leadership changes, which he said have contributed to the ongoing issues. He pointed out that despite AEDC generating N29.4 billion in revenue just last month, workers continue to face unpaid benefits and unsafe working conditions.

“If our demands are not met, we will escalate our actions, including withdrawing services,” Kolade warned.

The unions are calling for the immediate payment of pension arrears, an end to the casualization of workers, better medical benefits, and full adherence to minimum wage laws. Despite issuing a seven-day ultimatum last week, they noted that AEDC has yet to address their concerns.

In response, AEDC Managing Director Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye acknowledged the workers’ grievances and expressed regret over the situation. He apologized for allowing matters to reach this point, emphasizing that the company was now focused on resolving the issues.

“I apologize for letting things get to this stage. We must now look ahead and work toward fixing the problems. I take full responsibility for the concerns raised. I’ve spoken with the board, and we are committed to ensuring AEDC becomes a company that meets its obligations to its staff,” Okwuokenye assured.