Ifeoma Onyekachi

Operations at the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) were brought to a halt on Wednesday after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) shut down the company’s offices across Abuja and three neighbouring states in protest against the mass dismissal of workers.

The labour union locked the AEDC headquarters in Abuja as well as offices in Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states, leaving many customers uncertain about electricity supply in the affected areas.

The action followed a protest by the NLC on Tuesday, led by its President, Joe Ajaero, who picketed the company’s headquarters over the controversial disengagement of nearly 900 employees.

Dispute Over Workers’ Disengagement

Ajaero explained that the dispute began about six months ago when AEDC management informed labour unions that only workers who had reached retirement age or were close to retirement would be disengaged. Based on that understanding, the union did not oppose the move.

However, the labour leader accused the company of going back on its word, claiming that many of the affected workers were young employees who had spent only a few years in service.

According to him, several of the disengaged workers had worked for just two to five years, describing the development as unfair and deceptive.

Threat to Power Supply

The NLC has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to AEDC management to resolve the dispute or face further industrial action that could disrupt electricity supply across the Federal Capital Territory and the three affected states.

The union warned that if the situation is not resolved, electricity workers may withdraw their services, which would significantly affect power distribution in Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states.

Broader Labour Concerns in Power Sector

The crisis highlights ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s power sector, particularly since the privatisation of electricity distribution companies in 2013. Labour unions have repeatedly accused distribution companies of poor working conditions, casualisation of workers, and mass layoffs without proper severance benefits.

Industry analysts say prolonged disputes between labour unions and electricity distribution companies could worsen Nigeria’s already fragile power supply situation, as distribution companies play a critical role in delivering electricity from the national grid to consumers.

Negotiations are expected between the labour union, AEDC management, and government officials to prevent a prolonged blackout in the affected states.