By Chizoba Njaka
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has sounded the alarm over the dire working conditions and intimidation faced by its members at the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
The Zonal Organising Secretary (ZOS) 2, South-East and South-South Zone, Comrade Ifeanyi Nweke disclosed at a press briefing in Awka that a staggering 80 percent of EEDC staff earn below N60,000 monthly, with some salaries frozen since 2014. The union also alleged that EEDC management employs police to arrest and detain staff without justification, sparking widespread discontent among workers.
Comrade Nweke highlighted the difficulties faced by electricity workers, including poor salary scheme below minimum wage, lack of annual promotions, unlawful arrest and illegal detention of staff, inhumane treatment to staff, modernized slavery to staff, none increment of staff salaries and zero annual promotion.
He narrated that the arrest of four NUEE members on July 31, 2025, who remain in detention, has reignited protests among FIRSTPOWER Subco workers. Despite a previous agreement reached after a four-day protest in August 2024, the issues has resurfaced, prompting the planned protest.
The union called for immediate release of the detained workers, adherence to internal procedures for addressing staff issues, an end to further arrests and compensation for affected workers, fulfillment of obligations regarding leave allowances and staff healthcare benefits, payment of exit packages to exited staff.
The National Union of Electricity Employees however seeks assistance in amplifying their voice and shedding light on the challenges faced by its members. By sharing their story, hoping to bring attention to the oppressive situation and advocate for improved treatment and working conditions for its members.
Meanwhile, workers at FIRSTPOWER Subco of EEDC have taken to the streets to protest alleged harassment, intimidation, and indiscriminate arrests by the company’s management, backed by the Nigerian Police Force’s Anti-Robbery Unit. The union demands the immediate release of the four arrested colleagues and insists that alleged offenders should face internal disciplinary processes, rather than being treated like armed robbers.
- Njaka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
