The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has shut down the offices of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) across Abuja, Kogi State, Nasarawa State, and Niger State following the mass dismissal of over 900 workers.
Reports from NLC indicate that the company’s headquarters in Abuja, along with several offices in parts of the capital and in Kogi, Minna, Niger, and Nasarawa States, were locked and inaccessible as of Wednesday morning.
This action comes just a day after the NLC, under the leadership of its president, Joe Ajaero, picketed AEDC’s headquarters in protest against the controversial termination of nearly 900 employees.
Explaining the crisis, Ajaero stated that it began about six months ago when AEDC management assured that only employees who had reached or were nearing retirement would be affected by the disengagement. However, he noted that the situation turned out to be the opposite.
“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.
“ 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 declared.
Darkness looms in Abuja, three states
NLC on Tuesday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to AEDC management to resolve the matter or face escalated industrial action that could cripple electricity supply in the Federal Capital Territory and three other 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,” he warned.
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