The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday shut down offices of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) across Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states, protesting the mass disengagement of over 900 workers.
The electricity distribution company’s headquarters in Abuja, as well as offices in parts of the Federal Capital Territory and branches in Kogi, Minna (Niger State), and Nasarawa, were under lock and key as of Wednesday morning.
The action marks an escalation of the dispute between organised labour and the management of the power firm.
The shutdown comes barely 24 hours after the NLC, led by its President, Joe Ajaero, picketed the company’s headquarters in Abuja over what it described as a controversial and unjust sack of workers.
The union had earlier expressed outrage over the development, insisting that due process was not followed and that the disengagement violated earlier agreements reached with management.
Speaking on the crisis, Ajaero said the dispute began about six months ago when the management of the company allegedly assured labour leaders that only workers who had reached retirement age or were close to retirement would be affected.
“At that time, the union intervened based on that understanding. No responsible labour leader would oppose the exit of workers who have legitimately reached retirement age,” he said.
He, however, lamented that the reality turned out differently, accusing the company of misleading the union.
“The majority of those affected were not at retirement age. Some had not even spent up to five or six years in service. In fact, many had only worked for two to three years. That is the height of deceit,” Ajaero declared.
Amid the standoff, the NLC on Tuesday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the management of the electricity distribution company to resolve the dispute or face intensified industrial action.
The labour union warned that failure to meet its demands could result in a disruption of electricity supply across the Federal Capital Territory and the affected states.
“If nothing is done within that time, we cannot guarantee power supply. The workers who keep the system running will stay at home, and if they are not at work, the system will naturally be affected,” Ajaero warned.
The development has raised concerns among residents and businesses in Abuja and neighbouring states, who fear a potential blackout if the dispute is not urgently resolved.
The management of the AEDC had yet to officially respond to the latest action by the labour union as of the time of filing this report.