The Nigeria Labour Congress on Tuesday halted operations at the headquarters of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company in Abuja, protesting the dismissal of nearly 900 workers. The union also gave the company a 48-hour deadline to resolve the dispute or face a wider shutdown of its activities.
The protest, led by NLC President Joe Ajaero, disrupted normal operations as employees complied with the directive to withdraw their services.
Reacting to the development, AEDC’s Managing Director, Chijioke Okwuokenye, confirmed that discussions had begun with labour representatives to address the crisis.
During the protest, Ajaero accused the company of misrepresenting the nature of the layoffs. He explained that labour leaders initially understood that only employees at retirement age would be affected. However, he alleged that many of those disengaged were relatively young workers, some with only a few years of service.
Tensions escalated when union officials arrived for a scheduled meeting with AEDC management but discovered that the managing director was absent. The union subsequently cancelled the meeting and ordered a total withdrawal of services, effectively crippling operations at the facility.
Ajaero warned that if the issue is not resolved within the 48-hour window, the union may expand the strike action, potentially disrupting electricity supply across Abuja and neighbouring areas. He stressed that without workers to operate the system, power supply would inevitably be affected.
The NLC also raised concerns that similar labour practices could spread across other electricity distribution companies if not addressed promptly, describing the situation as part of a broader breakdown in labour relations within the power sector.
The union further criticised conditions in the industry, pointing to widespread estimated billing and poor electricity supply. It accused some power firms of prioritising financial demands while neglecting workers’ welfare, including unpaid union dues.
Among its demands, the NLC called on AEDC to publish a comprehensive list of affected employees, detailing their years of service and reasons for dismissal. The union also highlighted issues such as lack of promotions and unresolved staff concerns within the company.
The dispute stems from a mass retrenchment exercise carried out in 2025, which initially sparked controversy. Although the company reportedly stated that only retiring staff would be affected, unions later alleged that many younger employees were also dismissed.
The power sector has experienced ongoing tensions between operators and labour unions since its privatisation in 2013, with recurring disputes over workers’ rights and employment conditions.
The NLC maintained that it would continue to push for justice for the affected workers, insisting that all actions must comply with labour laws. It also urged employees to remain united as the standoff continues.
If unresolved, the crisis could further strain electricity supply in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding states.
