By Izunna Okafor, Awka
It was a mildly agitated atmosphere at the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) Headquarters in Awka, Anambra State, on Thursday, as aggrieved workers staged a protest to express their dissatisfaction over what they described as inhumane treatment, poor remuneration, and unlawful intimidation by the Company’s management.
The protesters, believed to be members of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), converged on the premises with placards bearing various bold inscriptions, including: “No Increments of Staff Salary,” “Zero Annual Promotion,” “Poor Salary Scheme — Below the Minimum Wage,” “Modernized Slavery to Staff,” and “Inhumane Treatment to Staff,” among others, decrying the pitiable condition of service they are subjected to.
However, upon arrival, the EEDC Headquarters was under lock and key, with the protesters expressing their grievances outside the gate. Despite being denied access to the premises, the visibly frustrated workers stood their ground, insisting that the situation in the electricity company was no longer tolerable.
The protest, according to the aggrieved workers, was not just a spontaneous reaction but a continuation of a long-standing struggle to secure better working conditions and end persistent abuses suffered by staff members across the zone.
In a strongly-worded statement signed by the leadership of the union representing EEDC staff and electricity workers under the South East/South South zone, the group outlined the core reasons behind the protest, lamenting the continued disregard of the staff’s welfare by the company’s management.
The statement revealed that more than 80 percent of the electricity workers in Anambra State and beyond earn below ₦60,000 per month, with many of them having received no salary increments since 2014, despite the rising cost of living and biting economic conditions in the country.
According to the Union, what makes the situation even more appalling is the high level of intimidation and suppression meted out to staff members by the EEDC management. It noted that the company has continuously resorted to involving the police, including the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), to harass, arrest, and detain staff indiscriminately, often without any justifiable reason or due process.
Citing a previous instance in August 2024, the Union recalled staging a 4-day protest over similar issues, which eventually led to the release of unlawfully detained workers and the signing of an agreement by the EEDC Management to adhere to the agreed Conditions of Service. However, it lamented that the same problems have re-emerged, despite the assurances and promises made.
The most recent flashpoint, the union noted, was the arrest and continued detention of four staff members on July 31, 2025 — an incident that prompted renewed outrage and protest actions, especially from the affected FIRSTPOWER Subco workers. The union stated that while it does not support any form of fraud, it insists that proper disciplinary procedures must be followed, rather than treating workers like common criminals or armed robbers.
“We condemn fraudulent acts but insist on following established disciplinary processes, not treating employees like armed robbers,” the statement emphasized.
The Union further disclosed that it had notified the EEDC Management, the Commissioner of Police, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) ahead of the protest, emphasizing that the demonstration was a legitimate and peaceful attempt to draw attention to the gross injustice and oppression being endured by its members.
“We request your assistance in amplifying our voice and bringing attention to our plight. We’ll share relevant documents for further context. Together, we can help liberate our members from this oppressive situation,” the statement concluded.
As at the time of this publication, the EEDC Management was yet to respond to the protest or issue any official response on the allegations raised by the protesting workers.
More photos from the scene:
