The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday disrupted operational activities of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), protesting the controversial disengagement of about 900 workers.

Led by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the labour movement accused AEDC of carrying out the mass sack under false pretences, describing the exercise as “the height of deceit” and a dangerous precedent in Nigeria’s already troubled power sector.

He issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the company’s management to address the recall of workers or risk escalated industrial action that could cripple electricity supply in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“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 warned.

Ajaero said the crisis dates back about six months, when AEDC management claimed the disengagement would affect only workers who had reached retirement age or were on the verge of retiring.

However, 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 declared.

“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 disclosed that investigations by the union revealed a completely different reality.

According to him, AEDC had promised to revisit the exercise, but six months later, nothing has been done, despite repeated engagements through zonal consultative meetings.

“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 said.

Ajaero warned that continued disregard for labour laws by employers in the sector could trigger wider industrial unrest.
He accused some power sector operators of deliberately undermining workers’ rights despite inheriting a unionised workforce at the point of privatisation.

He demanded that AEDC publish the full list of disengaged workers, including their years of service and reasons for termination, to enable public scrutiny.

He also raised concerns over poor conditions of service, lack of promotions, and unresolved staff welfare issues within the company.

According to him, prolonged and ineffective dialogue has worsened the situation.

“What we are seeing is a policy of perpetual dialogue—talks without end and without implementation. That has no place in industrial relations.

“Justice must be done. Those who were unjustly sacked and are suffering at home must have their cases revisited within the framework of the law.

“As a union, we are not asking for anything outside the law. But if the law is followed, we will be satisfied that justice has been served.”