The Nigeria Labour Congress has closed the offices of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company in Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger States following the controversial dismissal of over 900 employees.
As of Wednesday morning, AEDC’s headquarters in Abuja, its branches across the capital, and offices in Kogi, Minna, Niger, and Nasarawa States remained under lock and key. The shutdown comes a day after NLC President Joe Ajaero led a picket at AEDC’s headquarters in protest over the mass disengagement.
According to Ajaero, the conflict dates back six months. AEDC management had claimed that only workers who had reached retirement age or were nearing it would be affected. “No responsible labour leader would oppose the exit of workers who have legitimately reached retirement age. The majority of those affected were not at retirement age. Some had not even spent up to five or six years in service. Many had only worked for two to three years. That is the height of deceit,” he said.
The NLC issued a 48-hour ultimatum to AEDC management, warning that failure to resolve the matter could escalate into industrial action capable of crippling electricity supply in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding states. “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,” Ajaero warned.
The standoff has raised fears of widespread power disruptions in Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger, potentially affecting businesses, households, and essential services.
