The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has shut down operations of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), owned by billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu, across Abuja and three states following the mass dismissal of over 900 workers.
Checks by Nigerian Newssphere on Wednesday morning revealed that AEDC’s headquarters in Abuja, along with offices in parts of the Federal Capital Territory and branches in Kogi State, Niger State, and Nasarawa State, were shut.
This comes after the NLC, led by its president Joe Ajaero, on Tuesday picketed AEDC’s headquarters in protest against the controversial disengagement of nearly 900 employees.
Ajaero explained that the dispute began about six months ago when AEDC management indicated that only workers who had reached or were close to retirement would be affected by the exercise. However, he said the actual implementation contradicted that assurance.
“At that time, the union intervened based on that understanding. No responsible labor leader would oppose the exit of workers who have legitimately reached retirement age,” he said.
“A 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.
Total darkness looms—NLC gives a 48-hour ultimatum
Meanwhile, the NLC has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to AEDC management to resolve the crisis or face intensified industrial action that could disrupt electricity supply in 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.
