Power Crisis Looms as NLC Shuts AEDC, Protests Sack of 900 Workers

AEDC

Power Crisis Looms as NLC Shuts AEDC, Protests Sack of 900 Workers

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

Findings showed that the company’s headquarters in Abuja, as well as several offices within the Federal Capital Territory and branches in Kogi, Minna and Nasarawa, were under lock and key as of Wednesday morning.

The action represents an escalation in the ongoing dispute between organised labour and the management of the electricity distribution firm.

The shutdown came barely 24 hours after the NLC, led by its President, Joe Ajaero, picketed the company’s headquarters over what it described as an unjust and controversial mass dismissal of workers.

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

Addressing the crisis, Ajaero explained that the dispute began about six months ago when the firm reportedly assured labour leaders that only employees who had attained or were nearing retirement age would be affected by any disengagement.

“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 expressed disappointment over what he described as a breach of trust by the company, alleging that many of those affected 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,” he added.

Amid the standoff, the NLC had on Tuesday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the management of the company to resolve the dispute or face intensified industrial action.

The union warned that failure to meet its demands could lead to 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 heightened concerns among residents and businesses in Abuja and neighbouring states over the possibility of a blackout if the dispute is not urgently resolved.

As of the time of filing this report, the management of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company had yet to issue an official response to the latest action by the labour union.