NLC shuts down IBEDC in response to 3,000 sacked workers

The Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) halted operations at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) on Monday with a large protest against the dismissal of over 3,000 workers.

Led by Chairman Kayode Martin, union members blocked the IBEDC office, preventing access and causing traffic disruptions from Challenge to Dugbe in Ibadan. The protest drew significant attention as workers chanted solidarity songs, demanding the reinstatement of the dismissed employees and the full implementation of the national minimum wage.

Martin criticised IBEDC’s outsourcing agents, accusing them of subjecting workers to unfair labor conditions, withholding wages, and making unexplained salary deductions. He emphasised that these workers, who had dedicated time and effort to the company, were unjustly dismissed and treated as disposable.

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He also condemned the refusal of these outsourcing agents to pay the minimum wage while continuing to deduct money from workers’ already meager salaries.

During the demonstration, the union presented a set of demands to IBEDC management, which included the payment of the new minimum wage, settlement of outstanding pension contributions, permanent employment for outsourced staff, the right of employees to join unions, improved healthcare services, and the clearance of all unpaid allowances and benefits.

Martin urged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other relevant authorities to intervene, warning that the growing unemployment crisis could lead to severe social and security issues. He stressed that the union was open to dialogue but would not relent until their demands were addressed.

The protest led to severe traffic congestion, leaving many commuters stranded while security personnel monitored the situation. As of press time, IBEDC management had yet to issue an official response to the union’s demands.