Operations at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) were halted on Tuesday as the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) staged a protest against the recent dismissal of over 3,000 employees.
Led by Chairman Kayode Martin, union members barricaded IBEDC’s headquarters, disrupting activities and causing traffic congestion from Challenge to Dugbe in Ibadan.
The demonstrators, chanting solidarity songs, demanded the immediate reinstatement of the affected workers and full implementation of the national minimum wage. Martin condemned IBEDC’s outsourcing agents, accusing them of exploiting workers through unpaid wages and arbitrary salary deductions.
“We are here to protest the unjust and inhumane treatment of workers. Over 3,000 employees have been thrown into the job market without justification after dedicating years of service to this company,” Martin said.
The NLC also listed seven key demands, including implementing the new minimum wage, clearing backlogs of Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA), regularizing outsourced staff, ending union membership restrictions, improving healthcare services, and settling outstanding allowances.
Martin called on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other stakeholders to intervene, warning that rising unemployment could have security implications.
“We urge Governor Makinde and well-meaning Nigerians to step in. The nation is already struggling with high unemployment, and this mass layoff will only worsen social and security issues,” he cautioned.
The NLC emphasized its readiness for dialogue but vowed to continue the protest until their demands are met. The demonstration caused heavy traffic congestion, leaving many commuters stranded.
As of the time of this report, IBEDC’s management had yet to issue an official response.
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