EEDC Workers Protest Arrest of Mother of Three, Others, Decry Poor Pay, Intimidation by Management

By Tony Okafor, Awka

Electricity workers under FIRSTPOWER, a subcontractor to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), on Thursday 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 Thursday, July 31 — a development the union described as a violation of the company’s Conditions of Service and existing labour agreements.

Speaking during the protest, Comrade Ifeanyi Nweke, NUEE Zonal Organizing Secretary and Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra State chapter, 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,“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 separate statement, NUEE decried what it described as a “deteriorating and oppressive working environment” for electricity workers under EEDC across the South-East.

The union revealed that 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,” the union stated. “It is unjust and unsustainable. We are calling for urgent intervention.”

NUEE also expressed alarm over the increasing use of state security agencies by EEDC management to arrest staff, often 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.

Thursday’s protest also revived memories of a similar labour crisis in August 2024, when NUEE embarked on a four-day industrial action that led to the release of arrested staff and a formal agreement by EEDC management to uphold labour standards.

According to the union, those agreements have since been breached, triggering the latest unrest.

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

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

As of the time of filing this report, multiple efforts to reach the management of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) for comment were unsuccessful.

The EEDC Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Emeka Eze, repeatedly declined calls from our reporter.

NUEE has pledged to release further documents and evidence in the coming days to support its claims.