NLC Shuts Down AEDC Offices Over Mass Sack of 900 Workers

|By Adejumo Adekunle

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has shut down offices of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) across Abuja, Kogi State, Nasarawa State, and Niger State following the controversial dismissal of over 900 workers.

As of Wednesday morning, AEDC facilities—including its headquarters in Abuja and operational offices in Minna and other locations—remained under lock and key, effectively halting activities.

The shutdown comes barely 24 hours after NLC members, led by their president, Joe Ajaero, picketed the company’s headquarters in protest against the mass disengagement.

Ajaero explained that the crisis began about six months ago when AEDC management reportedly assured labour leaders that only workers who had reached retirement age or were close to retirement would be affected. However, he said the reality turned out differently.

“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.

He, however, accused the company of deception, noting that many of the affected workers were far from retirement.

“The 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,” Ajaero declared.

The labour union has since issued a 48-hour ultimatum to AEDC management to resolve the dispute or face intensified industrial action.

The development raises concerns over a possible disruption in electricity supply across the Federal Capital Territory and the affected 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.

With negotiations yet to yield results, uncertainty now looms over electricity distribution in Abuja and neighbouring states.