EEDC workers protest arrest of colleagues, decry poor pay, intimidation by management

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By Madu Obi

Electricity workers under FIRSTPOWER, a subcontractor to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), have staged a protest at the EEDC District Office in Awka, Anambra State, over the alleged harassment, intimidation, and unlawful arrest of four staff members — including a mother of three — by the company’s management in collaboration with the Anti-Robbery Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.

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

NUEE Zonal Organizing Secretary and chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra State chapter, Comrade Ifeanyi Nweke, condemned any acts of misconduct, but insisted that disciplinary procedures must follow due process.

“We do not condone fraud or malpractice, but our members are not criminals and must not be treated like armed robbers,” Nweke said, adding that there are established internal procedures for handling such matters, and those must be respected.

The protesting workers locked up the main entrance to the Awka office, disrupting operations and preventing access to the premises.

In a statement, NUEE decried what it described as a “deteriorating and oppressive working environment” for electricity workers under EEDC across the South-East.

According to the union, 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.

“Despite their vital role in powering homes, businesses, and government institutions, these workers remain among the worst-paid in Nigeria. It is unjust and unsustainable and we are calling for urgent intervention", the union said.

NUEE also raised the alarm over the increasing use of state security agencies by EEDC management to arrest staff, thereby bypassing the company's own internal disciplinary processes.

The union cited the July 31 arrests as part of a growing pattern of abuse and intimidation, noting that the detained staff — including a mother of three — have been denied access to fair procedures and legal counsel.

The union said it has formally notified the EEDC management, the Commissioner of Police, and the Director of the Department of State Service (DSS) of its intention to escalate the protest if the detained workers are not released and systemic concerns addressed.

“Our members cannot continue working under the constant threat of arbitrary arrests. We will continue to pursue justice through peaceful and lawful means" the union added.