Former EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has shared shocking details of how Oluwaseun Ogunbambo, a businessman, defrauded the Nigerian government of N3.7 billion through petrol subsidy fraud. In his book titled The Shadow of Loot & Losses: Uncovering Nigeria’s Petroleum Subsidy Fraud, Bawa explained how Ogunbambo used fake documents to collect money meant for importing fuel. According to Bawa, Ogunbambo claimed he imported petrol, but the fuel never existed. He forged shipping documents and presented them to the government to receive payments. Ogunbambo, who was the managing director of Fargo Petroleum and Gas Ltd, was declared wanted by the EFCC in 2013. He was charged with collecting N976.6 million fraudulently. While the case was still in court, he jumped bail and fled the country. Bawa said Ogunbambo had multiple identities and was also wanted in other countries like Ireland, the UK, and the USA. The book also talks about how fuel subsidy fraud has been a major problem in...
## BLACKOUT LOOMS: AEDC Workers Issue Fresh Strike Notice Over Unresolved Grievances
**Abuja, Nigeria – June 5, 2025** – Residents and businesses across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Nasarawa, and Kogi states are bracing for a potential total blackout as electricity workers under the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) have issued a fresh strike notice. This development comes as two major unions, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), accuse AEDC management of failing to honor agreements reached following a suspended industrial action in November 2024.
**Why the Looming Strike? A Litany of Unfulfilled Promises**
The unions, in separate letters to AEDC's Managing Director, have highlighted a long list of unresolved issues that have pushed their members to the brink. These grievances paint a stark picture of a workforce feeling neglected and exploited despite their significant contributions to the company's revenue. Key points of contention include:
* **Non-remittance of Pension Deductions:** A staggering 16 to 18 months of pension deductions remain unremitted, raising serious concerns about the financial security of workers.
* **Non-implementation of National Minimum Wage:** Despite the national minimum wage being signed into law, AEDC workers claim it has not been fully implemented, impacting their take-home pay.
* **Lack of Promotions and Stagnation:** Many staff members have reportedly been stagnant for over 10 years with no promotions, leading to low morale and limited career progression.
* **Non-confirmation of Acting Appointments and Irregular Placements:** Workers on acting appointments are not being confirmed, and there are complaints of improper staff placements.
* **Refusal to Convert Ad-hoc Staff to Permanent Status:** A significant number of ad-hoc staff are still awaiting conversion to permanent status, denying them benefits and job security.
* **Collapse of Health Services:** The unions allege a complete collapse of health services for staff due to unpaid hospital bills, with reports even citing several staff deaths in recent months attributed to pressure and precarious work conditions.
* **Unpaid PAYE Taxes and Union Dues:** Non-remittance of 10 months' PAYE taxes and outstanding union check-off dues are also key issues.
* **Incomplete Review of Conditions of Service and Career Path:** The review of conditions of service and implementation of a career path for staff remain incomplete.
* **Undue Board Interference:** The unions also pointed to undue board interference in the day-to-day running of the company.
* **Non-payment of 2024 Productivity Bonus:** Despite workers reportedly generating over N94 billion in revenue for the company in the last 90 days, the 2024 productivity bonus remains unpaid.
**Ultimatums Issued, Mobilization Underway**
NUEE, through its Assistant General Secretary, Liaison, Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, stated their readiness to resume the suspended action "anytime from the date of the receipt of this letter without an additional notice." They have directed their councils to commence full mobilization across all AEDC franchise areas (Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and FCT) for an effective industrial action, vowing to sustain the struggle until victory is achieved.
Similarly, SSAEAC, represented by its Deputy General Secretary (Corporate Communications), Rosemary Odeh, issued a two-week ultimatum to AEDC management, demanding the resolution of all outstanding staff benefits and issues. They emphasized that if demands remain unmet within the stipulated period, all officers are on standby to resume the earlier strike notice of November 5, 2024.
**The Road Ahead: Uncertainty for Consumers**
As of today, June 5, 2025, while a full-blown strike has not yet commenced, the notices issued by both unions signify escalating labor tensions at AEDC. The threat of a widespread blackout is very real, putting millions of electricity consumers in AEDC's franchise areas on edge.
The ball is now in AEDC management's court. The urgency to address these long-standing grievances cannot be overstated, not just for the welfare of their dedicated workforce, but also to prevent a significant disruption to electricity supply that would impact countless homes and businesses.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they unfold. For now, residents in the affected states are advised to make alternative power arrangements as a precautionary measure.
It is well
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