Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and the three adjoining states of Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa have been thrown into darkness as workers of the electricity company, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) embark on an indefinite strike.
The workers who spoke with AIT said they will not call off the strike until their entitlement that varies between 10 to 20 months of outstanding allowances are paid in full.
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The premises of the electricity supply company, AEDC in charge of Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja were under lock and key when AIT visited.
A few workers were seen with placards in protest of their unpaid entitlements which according to them varied from 10 months of outstanding allowances to a backlog of 20 months of unsettled pensions.
The workers had in November threatened to embark on the strike but shifted it till December to allow for more negotiations.
The strike became inevitable after authorities failed to reach any concrete.
AEDC has over the years struggled with its financial obligations especially with the UBA; forcing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to block the company’s account.
(Editor, Omor Bazuaye)
