A power blackout is imminent in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and surrounding states as electricity workers under the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) have announced plans to embark on a strike.
The unions, representing staff of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), said the planned industrial action is due to the company’s failure to implement key agreements reached following the suspension of a previous strike in November 2024.
Grassroots Parrot reports that AEDC supplies electricity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as Niger, Nasarawa, and Kogi states.
During the November strike, workers had picketed the company’s headquarters but later called off the action after reaching an agreement with management on the same day. The unions now say those commitments have not been fulfilled.
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In letters addressed to AEDC’s Managing Director, the unions expressed frustration over what they described as persistent neglect of workers’ welfare and unresolved labour issues.
They noted that despite generating over N94 billion in revenue in the past 90 days, workers continue to operate under harsh conditions, without adequate tools or support. They also raised concerns over the increasing number of deaths among staff, which they attributed to pressure and poor working conditions.
The unions warned that the strike could commence at any time from the date of the notice, without further communication. They have directed all members across the AEDC franchise areas to begin full mobilization.
According to the unions, the action will continue until their demands are met, insisting that the unity of their members will be key to achieving victory.