[JUST IN]: NLC Shuts Down AEDC Offices in Abuja, 3 States Over Sack of 900 Workers (Full Details)

Also Read

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday shut down offices of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company across Abuja, Kogi State, Nasarawa State and Niger State, in protest against the mass disengagement of over 900 workers.

The electricity distribution company’s headquarters in Abuja, alongside offices in parts of the Federal Capital Territory and branches in Kogi, Minna, and Nasarawa, were reportedly under lock and key as of Wednesday morning.

The development signals an escalation in the ongoing 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 an unjust and controversial sack of workers.

The union had earlier condemned the move, insisting that due process was not followed and that the disengagement violated prior agreements reached with the company’s management.

Speaking on the crisis, Ajaero revealed that the dispute began about six months ago when the company allegedly assured labour leaders that only workers who had reached or were close to retirement age 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.

However, he accused the company of misleading the union, noting that many of those disengaged were far from retirement.

“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 stated.

Amid the standoff, the NLC had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the company’s management to resolve the dispute or face intensified industrial action.

The labour union warned that failure to meet its demands could disrupt 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 situation has sparked concerns among residents and businesses in Abuja and neighbouring states, who fear a possible blackout if the crisis is not urgently resolved.

As of the time of filing this report, the management of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company had yet to officially respond to the latest action by the labour union.