The Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday shut down operations at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in protest against the recent dismissal of over 3,000 employees.
Led by NLC Chairman Kayode Martin, union members barricaded the entrance to IBEDC’s office, causing major traffic disruptions in the Challenge to Dugbe area of Ibadan. The protesters, chanting solidarity songs, demanded the immediate reinstatement of the sacked workers and the full implementation of the national minimum wage.
Speaking at the protest, Martin condemned IBEDC’s actions, accusing outsourcing agents of exploiting workers through unpaid wages and arbitrary salary deductions.
“Over 3,000 workers have been thrown into the unemployment market without just cause. These are people who have dedicated their time and energy to this company, only to be treated as disposable,” Martin stated.
He further criticized outsourcing firms for withholding minimum wage payments and making unjustified deductions from employees’ already meager salaries.
The NLC presented a list of seven demands to IBEDC management, including regularizing outsourced staff, providing healthcare services, and paying outstanding allowances.
Martin also called on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene, warning that the mass layoffs could exacerbate the state’s unemployment crisis and contribute to rising insecurity.
“The rate of unemployment is already alarming, and adding to it will only create more problems. We urge Governor Makinde and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid,” he added.
The protest led to significant traffic congestion, leaving many commuters stranded. As of press time, IBEDC had yet to respond to the NLC’s demands.
