By Michael Oche
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the management of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to address the controversial disengagement of nearly 900 workers or face a total shutdown of operations.
The ultimatum followed a dramatic picketing of AEDC headquarters in Abuja by labour leaders and union members, protesting what they described as unjust mass sack of workers.
Led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC accused AEDC of carrying out the disengagement under false pretences, describing the exercise as “the height of deceit” and a dangerous trend in Nigeria’s power sector.
Ajaero said the crisis began about six months ago when AEDC management claimed the exercise would affect only workers who had reached retirement age or were nearing retirement.
“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,” he said.
However, he said investigations by the union revealed that many of those disengaged were far from retirement.
“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 said.
He added that despite promises by AEDC to revisit the exercise, nothing has been done months after, even with repeated engagements.
“What is even more troubling is that other distribution companies are beginning to copy this pattern. That sends a very dangerous signal across the power sector,” he warned.
Nigerian Pilot gathered that tension heightened at the AEDC headquarters when NLC leaders arrived for a scheduled meeting but discovered that the Managing Director was absent.
“We came here for a meeting, but the MD was not on seat. Even engagements at the zonal level have been handled in a very lukewarm manner,” Ajaero said.
The NLC subsequently called off the meeting and directed workers to stay away from their duties, leading to disruption of activities at the facility.
The labour leader warned that failure to resolve the issue within 48 hours would lead to a full shutdown of AEDC operations, potentially crippling electricity supply in the Federal Capital Territory.
“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 said.
He added that the action would extend to all AEDC operational zones if the company fails to respond.
“This will not stop here. All AEDC stations will be affected. Operations will be halted until this matter is addressed,” he said.
Ajaero criticised the state of Nigeria’s power sector, accusing operators of exploiting consumers while disregarding labour laws.
“In Abuja today, almost 90 per cent of electricity billing is estimated, yet there is no corresponding supply. Nigerians are being exploited under a system that rewards inefficiency,” he said.
He also faulted the electricity banding system, which he said favours certain distribution companies while worsening inequality in power access.
