The Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) shut down operations at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) on Tuesday, protesting the recent dismissal of over 3,000 employees.

Led by Chairman Kayode Martin, NLC members blocked the entrance to the IBEDC office, disrupting traffic in the Challenge to Dugbe area of Ibadan. The protesters, chanting solidarity songs, called for the immediate reinstatement of the fired workers and the payment of the national minimum wage.

Martin condemned IBEDC’s actions, accusing outsourcing agents of exploiting workers through unpaid wages and unjustified salary deductions.

“Over 3,000 workers have been thrown into the unemployment market without any justifiable reason. These are people who have dedicated their time and energy to this company, and they are now being treated like disposable items,” Martin said.

The union also raised concerns about unpaid minimum wages and the exploitation of staff by outsourcing companies.

“These agents are not only refusing to pay the minimum wage but also making arbitrary deductions from workers’ already meagre salaries,” Martin added.

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The NLC presented a list of seven demands to IBEDC management, including the implementation of the new minimum wage, regularization of outsourced staff, provision of healthcare services, and payment of outstanding allowances.

Martin appealed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to intervene, warning that the mass layoffs could lead to security challenges.

“We are calling on Governor Makinde and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid. The rate of unemployment is already alarming, and adding to it will only create more problems,” he said.

The protest caused significant traffic delays, leaving many commuters stranded. As of this report, IBEDC had not responded to the NLC’s demands.