By Ovat Abeng
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) workers under FIRSTPOWER, a subcontractor, on Thursday, protested in Awka, Anambra State capital, over alleged management harassment, intimidation, poor pay and unlawful arrest.
It was gathered that four members of the staff, including a mother of three, were allegedly arrested by the EEDC Management in collaboration with the Anti-Robbery Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in the state.
The protest, led by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), followed the continued detention of the affected workers since July 31, 2025, a development the Union described as a violation of the company’s Conditions of Service and existing labour agreements.
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The protesting workers shut down 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% 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 raises 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, had 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 had 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 were not released and systemic concerns raised, 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, efforts to reach the EEDC Management for comment were unsuccessful.
