NLC shuts down IBEDC office in Ibadan over sacking of 3000 workers, non-payment of new minimum wage
The Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has shut down the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) office, protesting the nonpayment of the newly approved minimum wage and the mass sacking of over 3000 workers.
The IBEDC office was closed on Monday after a protest, led by the state NLC Chairman, Comrade Kayode Martin.
The aggrieved workers were seen barricading the entrance of IBEDC’s headquarters in Ibadam while demanding the immediate reinstatement of the affected staff and full compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s recently signed minimum wage policy.
Speaking during the demonstration, Comrade Martin decried the actions of outsourcing agents who, according to him, have continued to deny workers their rightful earnings while making unjustified salary deductions.
He warned that failure to implement the new wage structure could further deepen the economic hardship faced by workers.
He called on Governor Seyi Makinde and relevant stakeholders to intervene, stressing that the sack of thousands of workers could escalate insecurity in the state.
The labour leader urged IBEDC’s management to initiate dialogue with the union to prevent the situation from degenerating into a larger industrial crisis.
Meanwhile, the protest caused major gridlock.
Workers blocked the Challenge-Dugbe road in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
The NLC outlined seven key demands, which are: Full implementation of the new minimum wage, Immediate payment of RSA backlogs, Regularization of outsourced staff, Recognition of union membership for all staff, Provision of adequate and standard healthcare services, Settlement of all outstanding allowances, Payment of due compensations,
The protest comes amid growing concerns over the implementation of the new wage policy, with labour unions insisting on its full enforcement across all sectors.
Recall earlier this month also the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (Kaduna Electric) also laid off 900 employees.
In a statement released on January 31, 2025, and obtained by SaharaReporters, Kaduna Electric announced that the services of the staff members were no longer required.
900 workers were said to be affected by the sacking.
“Kaduna electric has sacked 900 staff members and paid only 10% of supposed benefits. Indefinite strike has been declared,” a source in the company had said.
