On Tuesday, the Oyo State branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) staged a significant protest at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), effectively halting operations. The demonstration was in response to the dismissal of over 3,000 workers from the company.
Led by NLC Chairman Kayode Martin, union members barricaded the entrance to the IBEDC office, leading to a complete shutdown of the facility. This action caused considerable traffic disruptions from the Challenge to Dugbe areas in Ibadan. Protesters were vocal, chanting solidarity songs as they demanded the immediate reinstatement of the dismissed employees and adherence to the national minimum wage.
Kayode Martin criticized the outsourcing agents linked with IBEDC, accusing them of worker exploitation through unpaid minimum wages and arbitrary salary deductions. He described the treatment of workers as “unjust and inhumane,” emphasizing that the laid-off workers had dedicated significant time and effort to the company.
NLC’s Demands
The union submitted a list of seven key demands to the IBEDC management:
- Implementation of the new minimum wage.
- Prompt payment of Retirement Savings Account (RSA) backlogs.
- Regularization of outsourced staff.
- An end to the denial of union membership for staff.
- Provision of adequate and standard healthcare services.
- Payment of all outstanding allowances and compensations.
- Reinstatement of the dismissed workers.
Call for Intervention
Martin called upon Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and other stakeholders to intervene, highlighting the potential security risks that could arise from such a high level of unemployment. He stressed that the current unemployment rate in Nigeria is already a concern, and further job losses could exacerbate social issues.
The NLC Chairman expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with IBEDC management to resolve the issues peacefully. However, he made it clear that the union would not relent until their demands are met, indicating readiness to continue the fight for workers’ rights.
Current Situation
As of the latest reports, the IBEDC management has not issued an official response to the NLC’s demands. The protest has significantly impacted local traffic, leaving many commuters stranded.
The ongoing dispute between the NLC and IBEDC underscores broader issues of labor rights, outsourcing practices, and economic stability. This protest not only seeks to address immediate worker grievances but also points to the need for more sustainable employment practices in Nigeria’s utility sector.
