The Nigeria Labour Congress shuts down Abuja Electricity Distribution Company headquarters over controversial disengagement of 900 workers, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday shut down the headquarters of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), protesting the disengagement of nearly 900 workers and issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for the company to resolve the dispute.

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Led by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the protest disrupted operations at AEDC as staff withdrew their services in compliance with the union’s directive.

Addressing the media, Ajaero criticised AEDC for misleading labour regarding the nature of the disengagement.

“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 five or six years in service. Many worked for just two to three years. That is the height of deceit,” he said.

The protest escalated when union leaders arrived for a scheduled meeting with AEDC management, only to find Managing Director Chijioke Okwuokenye absent.

The union immediately called off the meeting and directed workers to withdraw services, effectively grounding the facility.

Ajaero warned that failure to address the issue within 48 hours could trigger a wider industrial action, potentially disrupting electricity supply across Abuja and surrounding states.

“If nothing is done within that time, we cannot guarantee power supply. Operations will be halted until this matter is addressed,” he said, highlighting concerns about similar practices spreading across other distribution companies.

The NLC has demanded AEDC publish a full list of affected employees, including their years of service and reasons for disengagement, while also raising issues over poor welfare conditions, lack of promotions, and unresolved staff concerns.

AEDC management has confirmed engagement with labour leaders to resolve the matter, with the company reiterating that the disengagement exercise, part of an ongoing rightsizing process, was initially intended for retirees.

Last year’s mass layoff, beginning November 5, 2025, reportedly affected 800 employees following internal restructuring at the utility firm, which serves the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa States.

“We regret to inform you that your services with the company will no longer be required, effective 5th November 2025. This decision follows the outcome of the company’s ongoing rightsizing exercise,” a sample disengagement letter obtained by our correspondent stated.

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The standoff marks another flashpoint in the ongoing tensions between power sector operators and labour unions, raising concerns over electricity supply amid persistent challenges in the sector.