Oil & Energy
Four Northern States In Darkness As Electricity Firm Workers Protest
Adamawa, Yobe, Borno and Taraba States have been thrown into darkness following a protest by workers of Yola Electricity Distribution Company over poor condition of service.
The strike action embarked upon by Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies with support of the Trade Union Congress last Wednesday, had reportedly paralysed operations of the Disco.
The protesters, led by Nasiru Dembo, deputy president general in charge of North SSAEAC, picketed the Disco office, demanding the review of the condition of service of employees.
Many residents from the affected states, who turned up on the first day of the strike action at the office could not buy cards for their pre-paid meters nor resolve complaints which had to do with electricity supply from the Disco.
However, the situation which left many towns and cities of the North- East in total darkness was further exacerbated by last Thursday’s downpour which caused some of the main power supply feeders conveying power supplying from the TCN to trip.
The disaster which had yet to be rectified according to the head of Public Affairs and Communication, YEDC, Kingsley Nkemneme, because of the ongoing strike action embarked upon by workers, was responsible for the blackout experienced in parts of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Taraba.
He said, “As it is now, there’s no power supply in these states. And the reason for this is the downpour experienced this morning (last Thursday) which forced some of our feeders down and there’s no one to go and fix it.
“This has affected the four states including parts of Maiduguri which has been without electricity supply since last Wednesday). But this, however, does not mean a blanket darkness, since it only affected areas covered by the feeders in the four states. Because of the strike, once there’s a fault on your lines nobody is going to fix it.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Nasiru Dembo, decried the neglect of workers welfare by management of the YEDC, lamenting that it had yet to implement an agreement reached with government over issues bordering on promotions, re-tooling and the disparities in emoluments among staff.
But Nkemneme who called for patience and understanding from his colleagues, said the issue of conditions of service raised by the employees’ union had not been concluded, as it was receiving attention from the management.
As part of the restructuring, the company said it had promoted high-performing employees, released retiring staff, and disengaged others whose performance fell below expected standards.
It added that it has also begun implementing a comprehensive employee development and customer management plan to strengthen its service delivery framework.
“In line with its corporate transformation strategy, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has announced a restructuring exercise aimed at delivering improved services to its customers as well as enhanced operational efficiency and excellence.
“The restructuring is in line with our strategic direction to become a more responsive and efficient organisation, capable of delivering world-class service to our customers.
“As part of the transformation, the Company has promoted high-performing staff, released retiring employees and those performing below par, and has put in motion the implementation of a robust employee development and customer management plan aimed at driving AEDC’s customer-centric focus,” the company said.
AEDC noted that the reforms are part of its broader commitment to provide reliable, safe, and sustainable electricity to customers across its franchise areas, including the Federal Capital Territory and the states of Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa.
The firm further pledged to continue investing in infrastructure upgrades, digital technologies, and operational innovations to improve service reliability and customer satisfaction.
“With a strong commitment to delighting its customers, AEDC continues to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy sector through investments in infrastructure, innovative technologies, and sustainable practices.
“AEDC consistently seeks to improve the quality of life for its customers, promote efficient energy usage, and actively engage with its communities,” the statement added.
Nwoko who is also the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, said that forensic reviews show over S22b, S81b and S200b remained unaccounted for across different audit periods.
“I remain committed, alongside my colleagues, to ensuring accountability, recovery, and reform within the oil and gas sector.
Nwoko stated that the Committee had earlier presented its interim report before the senate saying “Our investigation has so far uncovered massive revenue losses amounting to over $300 billion in unaccounted crude oil proceeds over the years.
“This represents one of the most troubling cases of economic sabotage our nation has ever faced.
“We have made far-reaching recommendations to end this long-standing menace.
“There is need for strict enforcement of international crude oil measurement standards at all production and export points.
He urged the federal government to mandate the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to deploy modern, tamper-proof measuring technology or return this function to the Department of Weights and Measures under the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
The senator called for the deployment of advanced surveillance systems, including drones, to assist security agencies in combating oil theft.
He also called for the creation of a Special Court for Crude Oil Theft to ensure swift prosecution of offenders and their collaborators, saying it would also go a long way in tackling the challenge.
“We must also ensure the full implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to empower local communities and reduce sabotage.
“Ceding abandoned oil wells to the NUPRC for allocation to modular refineries to support local production and job creation is also very vital in fighting the menace of oil theft and sabotage,” Nwoko further said.