The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has shut down offices of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) across Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger states following the mass dismissal of more than 900 employees.
As of Wednesday morning, the company’s headquarters in Abuja, along with offices in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Minna, and Nasarawa, remained locked.
The action comes a day after the NLC, led by its president Joe Ajaero, staged a protest at AEDC’s headquarters over the controversial termination of nearly 900 workers.
Explaining the crisis, Ajaero said it dates back to about six months when AEDC management claimed the disengagement would affect only workers who had reached retirement age or were on the verge of retiring; however, the reverse was the case.
“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.