Power Outage Looms In Abuja, 3 States As AEDC Workers Issue Strike Notice

Workers at the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) have issued a strike notice threatening to shut down power supply in Abuja, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Niger States, putting millions at risk of blackout.

The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) gave Abuja AEDC a two-week ultimatum to pay outstanding productivity bonuses and staff benefits, warning of a strike if demands are unmet.

In a letter dated June 4, 2025, and signed by deputy general secretary, Corporate Communications, Rosemary Odey, SSAEAC cited management’s failure to clear benefits promised since November 2024,   seven months after, despite improved company revenues exceeding N98 billion in recent months.

Key unresolved issues include unpaid 2024 productivity bonuses, 18 months of pension deductions not remitted, failure to implement the national minimum wage, lack of promotions since 2013, and collapse of health services leading to staff deaths.

Simultaneously, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) announced resumption of industrial action over similar grievances, including unpaid pension deductions for 16 months, non-implementation of minimum wage, no promotions, and unpaid union dues.

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The notice was contained in a letter dated 3rd June 2025, and signed by the assistant general secretary of the workers’ union, Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon,

The union had earlier agreed on November 27, 2024, to suspend the strike following a trade dispute but highlighted persistent unresolved grievances, including: “Non-remittance of pension deductions for 16 months. Failure to implement the national minimum wage. Lack of staff promotions and stagnation over 10 years. Non-confirmation of acting appointments and irregular staff placements. Refusal to convert ad-hoc staff to permanent status. Collapse of health services due to unpaid hospital bills. Non-remittance of 10 months’ PAYE taxes. Incomplete review of conditions of service and career path implementation. Interference by the board in daily company operations and non-payment of union dues and 2024 productivity bonuses”.

The union also emphasised that despite these challenges, workers have significantly increased company revenue by over 95 billion naira in the past 90 days, often without adequate resources and under stressful conditions that have led to a high number of deaths.

The notice warns that the strike will resume immediately upon receipt of the letter, with full mobilisation of union councils across Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The union vows to sustain the industrial action until all demands are met, affirming the power of unity in their struggle.

This development signals escalating labour tensions that could impact operations across the AEDC’s franchise areas if unresolved.

NUEE warned of immediate strike mobilisation across AEDC’s franchise areas in Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory if demands are ignored.

Both unions emphasise that despite challenging conditions, workers have significantly increased AEDC’s revenue, highlighting the urgency of resolving these welfare and operational concerns to prevent disruption of electricity supply. The situation signals escalating labor tensions at AEDC that could impact power distribution if unresolved.