The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has picketed the premises of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) in Abuja, issuing a 48-hour deadline, demanding the reversal of the dismissal of 900 workers.
Led by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, labour leaders barricaded the company’s offices, accusing management of carrying out a deceptive mass layoff.
According to the union, AEDC had earlier assured that only workers due for retirement would be affected.
Ajaero, however, alleged that many of those disengaged were far from the retirement age, with some having worked for only two to five years.
“We intervened based on the understanding that only those at retirement age would exit. But majority of those sacked were nowhere near retirement. That is the height of deceit,” he said.
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The NLC revealed that it had been in prolonged discussions with the AEDC over the exercise, but described the engagement as ineffective and lacking commitment from management.
Tensions escalated when union officials arrived for a scheduled meeting and discovered that the company’s managing director was absent, an action Ajaero described as a sign of disregard.
Declaring the dispute a national issue, the labour leader said the union had mobilised workers to occupy AEDC facilities, forcing operations to slow as staff vacated their offices.
The NLC warned that failure to meet its demands within 48 hours could trigger widespread industrial action capable of disrupting electricity supply across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“If nothing is done, we cannot guarantee power supply. If workers stay at home, the system will naturally be affected,” Ajaero warned.
The union also criticised electricity distribution companies for alleged exploitation of consumers and poor labour practices.
Ajaero cited widespread estimated billing in Abuja and described the current electricity banding system as inequitable.
Additionally, the NLC accused power generation companies of seeking government bailouts while allegedly owing billions of naira in unpaid union dues.
As part of its demands, the union called on the AEDC to publish the full list of affected workers, including their years of service and reasons for their disengagement.
It also raised concerns over poor working conditions, delayed promotions, and staff welfare.
Ajaero urged workers to remain united, warning that continued violations of labour laws in the power sector could lead to broader industrial unrest.
“Those unjustly sacked must have their cases revisited. We are only asking that the law be followed,” he said.
