Power Sector Faces Fresh Crisis As Labour Dispute Escalates

The Nigeria Labour Congress on Tuesday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company during a protest in Abuja, warning of a shutdown of operations if the dispute over workers’ disengagement is not resolved.

Speaking during the protest, the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, explained that the union initially accepted the disengagement based on a different understanding.

He, however, said findings by the union showed a different reality regarding those affected.

Ajaero said, “The understanding we had was that those affected were workers who had reached retirement age or were about to retire. No responsible labour leader would oppose that.

“But what we found is completely different. A majority of those disengaged are not retirees. Some have not even spent up to five or six years in service. Many worked for just two to three years. That is the height of deceit.”

Ajaero also raised concerns over the handling of engagements between labour and the company’s leadership.

Warning of the implications of non-compliance with the ultimatum, he stressed the potential impact on the electricity supply.

“We came here for a meeting, but the MD was not on seat. Even previous engagements have been handled in a very lukewarm manner.

“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.

He added that the action could extend across all AEDC facilities, while criticising electricity billing practices and broader sector inefficiencies.

“This will not stop here. All AEDC stations will be affected. Operations will be halted until this matter is addressed.”

“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.”

“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.”

Ajaero went on to fault financial and labour obligations within the industry, thus calling for transparency in the disengagement process.

“Some of them are asking for about N6tn for what is essentially darkness, yet they are owing over N5bn in union dues. How do you demand trillions when you cannot meet your responsibilities?” he queried.

“Let Nigerians see whether the union is being unfair or whether management acted unjustly,” he said.

In a strongly worded remark, Ajaero warned that the union would no longer tolerate what it described as injustice.

Ajaero continued, “What we are seeing is a policy of endless dialogue without implementation. That has no place in industrial relations.

“The management of AEDC seems to think they can dribble everyone, and people will forget. But today is a day of reckoning.

“History has shown that unresolved labour issues do not disappear; they come back, often worse. Time is ticking.”

He maintained that affected workers must be treated in line with the law.

“Those who were unjustly sacked must have their cases revisited within the law. We are not asking for anything outside the law, but the law must be followed,” he stated.

Confirming management’s response to the situation, the Managing Director of AEDC, Chijioke Okwuokenye, said the company had opened discussions with labour leaders.