NLC pickets AEDC hotels over sack of 900 workers, issues 48 hours ultimatum for their recall
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday destabilised the activities of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) headquarters in Abuja with protest on the controversial disengagement of nearly 900 workers
It also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the company’s management to address the crisis or risk a shutdown of operations.
Led by its President, Comrade 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.
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 at the verge of retiring.
“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.
“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.
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,” Ajaero warned.
MD’s Absence Sparks Protest. Tension escalated at the AEDC headquarters when NLC leaders arrived for a scheduled meeting with management, only to discover that the Managing Director was absent.
“We came here for a meeting, but the MD was not on seat. Even the engagements at the zonal level have been handled in a very lukewarm manner,” Ajaero said.
Describing the issue as one that “goes beyond a zonal matter to a national concern,” the NLC immediately called off the meeting and directed workers to remain on standby for further directives.
As union members mobilised across the premises, staff began to vacate their offices in compliance with labour’s directive, effectively disrupting activities at the facility..
The NLC President issued a stern 48-hour ultimatum to AEDC management to resolve the matter or face escalated industrial action that could cripple 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 warned.
He added that the action would be extended beyond Abuja 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.
‘Power Sector Becoming Lawless’: Ajaero used the opportunity to deliver a scathing critique of the Nigerian 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 criticised the banding system, which he said gives undue advantage to certain distribution companies, including AEDC, while worsening inequality in electricity access.
Beyond distribution companies, the NLC leader took a swipe at power generation firms, accusing them of seeking massive government bailouts while neglecting their obligations.
“Some of them are asking for about ₦6 trillion for what is essentially darkness. At the same time, they are withholding over ₦5 billion in union dues dating back to 2012. How do you demand trillions when you cannot meet your own responsibilities?” he queried.
‘Employers Must Obey Labour Laws’. Ajaero warned that continued disregard for labour laws by employers in the sector could trigger wider industrial unrest.
“If you do not obey labour laws, you cannot expect protection from the same system you disregard,” he said.
He accused some power sector operators of deliberately undermining workers’ rights despite inheriting a unionised workforce at the point of privatization.
“They came into a system where workers already had rights and protections, and their first objective now is to dehumanize those workers. They need to think twice,” he added.
Union Demands Transparency, Justice. The NLC is demanding that AEDC publish the full list of disengaged workers, including their years of service and reasons for termination, to enable public scrutiny.
“Let Nigerians see whether the union is being unfair or whether management acted unjustly,” Ajaero said.
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,” he said.
‘Day of Reckoning’. In a strongly worded conclusion, Ajaero declared that the union would no longer tolerate what he described as systemic injustice in the sector.
“The management of AEDC seems to think they can dribble everyone and people will forget. But today is a day of reckoning,” he said.
“History has shown that unresolved labour issues do not disappear—they resurface, often with greater consequences. Time is ticking.”
He urged workers to remain vigilant and united, describing the moment as one for “bumper-to-bumper unionism.”
“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,” he stated.
“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.”
