Manny Ita –
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has escalated its dispute with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) by staging a protest at the company’s headquarters in Abuja over the disengagement of nearly 900 workers. Union members shut down activities at the facility, forcing staff to vacate their offices as part of a coordinated industrial action, which the NLC described as a response to an unjust mass dismissal.
Following the protest, the NLC issued a 48-hour ultimatum to AEDC management, demanding an immediate reversal or resolution of the layoffs. The union warned that failure to comply could lead to a total shutdown of operations, a move that may disrupt electricity supply across the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, stressed that the power sector depends heavily on its workforce and that any prolonged withdrawal of services would have serious consequences.
At the center of the dispute are allegations that AEDC misrepresented the nature of the disengagement. The NLC claims the company initially indicated that only workers nearing retirement would be affected, but later dismissed a broader group of employees, including many who were not close to retirement. The union has condemned the action as deceptive and damaging to worker welfare.
Attempts to resolve the crisis have so far stalled, with a scheduled meeting between labour leaders and company management failing to hold due to the reported absence of key officials. This breakdown in dialogue has further heightened tensions, with the NLC accusing AEDC of failing to honor earlier commitments to review the disengagement process.
Labour leaders warn that if the issue is not resolved promptly, it could set a precedent for similar actions across other electricity distribution companies, raising wider concerns about labour relations, job security, and accountability in Nigeria’s power sector. With the ultimatum now in effect, attention is focused on whether both sides can reach a resolution or risk a broader industrial action that could significantly impact electricity supply and economic activities.
