EEDC Workers Protest Poor Pay, Mgt Intimidation, Arrest of Woman, 3 Others

By Praise Chinecherem

Electricity workers under FIRSTPOWER, a subcontractor to Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), on Thursday protested alleged harassment, intimidation, and unlawful arrest of four staff members by the company’s management.

The protesters who stormed the premesis of the power company at the EEDC District Office in Awka, Anambra State as early as 8am, said the arrested members which included a mother of three was in collaboration with Anti-Robbery Unit of Nigeria Police Force.

The protest, led by National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) was occasioned by continued detention of the affected workers since Thursday, July 31, a development it described as violation of the company’s Conditions of Service and existing labour agreements.

The protesting workers locked up the main entrance to the Awka office, disrupting operations and preventing access to the premises, as stranded customers lamented the ugly development.

Addressing newsmen during the protest, NUEE Zonal Organizing Secretary and Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra State chapter,
Comrade Ifeanyi Nweke decried alleged treatment of employees like armed robbers, insisting established disciplinary processes must be followed.

“We do not condone fraud or malpractice, but our members are not criminals and must not be treated like armed robbers.

“There are established internal procedures for handling such matters, and those must be respected,” he said.

In a separate statement, NUEE regretted that the workers remained among the worst-paid in Nigeria, despite their vital role in powering homes, businesses, and government institutions.

Describing as “deteriorating and oppressive working environment” for electricity workers under EEDC across the South-East, the union called for urgent intervention.

“Over 80 percent of workers earn less than ₦60,000 monthly, with many still on salary structures unchanged since 2014, despite the country’s worsening inflation and economic crisis,” it added.

NUEE said it has formally notified EEDC management, Commissioner of Police, and Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) of its intention to escalate protests if the detained workers were not released and concerns addressed.

It also pledged to release further documents and evidence in the coming days to support its claims.

“Our members cannot continue working under the constant threat of arbitrary arrests. We will continue to pursue justice through peaceful and lawful means,” it warned.

Efforts to reach EEDC management for comment proved abortive. But Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Emeka Eze, when contacted, said he was in a meeting, promising to get back. But he didn’t until press time.