FOLLOWING threats of industrial action and shutting down operations, the Managing Director of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Chijioke Okwuokenye, said the company’s management is engaging with representatives of electricity workers to pay outstanding entitlements.
Okwuokenye disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, June 5, to clarify earlier threats of industrial action issued by electricity workers.
He informed that the management has been engaging constructively with the union representatives regarding the notice of industrial action.
He said, “We are committed to ensuring that all legitimate allowances owed to staff are settled promptly, subject to our financial processes and regulatory compliance. We have already initiated dialogue with the union leadership to address their concerns transparently and to seek a mutually agreeable resolution.”
He stressed that through continued negotiation and open communication, management will find a way to avert any disruption to our operations and uphold its welfare commitment to employees.
“Our employees are at the heart of all we do, and their well-being and welfare are paramount to management,” he added.
The ICIR reports that the clarification statement followed a two-week ultimatum of industrial action issued by the Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) to AEDC, demanding payment of productivity bonuses and other outstanding staff benefits, warning of a resumption of industrial action if their demands are not met.
The association in a letter dated 4th June, 2025, and signed by Rosemary Odey, Deputy General Secretary, Corporate Communications, cited management’s failure to clear all outstanding staff benefits outlined in a letter dated November 5, 2024, despite seven months having elapsed.
In the letter, the group emphasised said the recent significant improvement in cash collections—over 98 billion naira in the last three months—and other revenue milestones were achieved through the dedication of the workforce.
The union highlighted critical unresolved issues to include: “Collapse of health services due to high indebtedness, resulting in the deaths of about seven staff members in the past month, with more at risk. Other issues include, non-payment of the 2024 productivity bonus, non-remittance of 18 months of pension deductions, failure to implement the national minimum wage and incomplete review of conditions of service.”
Other unresolved issues include non-regularisation and improper placement of staff, lack of confirmation for staff on acting appointments and promotions conducted since 2013, and non-implementation of a career path.
It further includes non-remittance of third-party deduction (Union check off dues) and refusal to fund business districts and non-procurement of operational materials.
The association disclosed that the notice signals a potential return to industrial action, if AEDC management fail to address the stated grievances within the stipulated two-week period, underscoring serious staff welfare and operational concerns within the company.
It 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.
Harrison Edeh is a journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, always determined to drive advocacy for good governance through holding public officials and businesses accountable.