Tensions are rising between the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company following the termination of 221 workers linked to the power distribution firm.
The NLC has vowed to take decisive action against IBEDC, insisting that the affected workers must be reinstated.
The union had earlier alleged that over 3,000 employees had been unfairly dismissed, but IBEDC refuted the claim, clarifying that only 221 workers were affected.
IBEDC, in its response, distanced itself from the sack, explaining that the affected workers were not its direct employees but were instead engaged by an outsourcing firm, Premier International Procurements and Logistics Limited.
The company reiterated this position in a statement on Friday, stating, “They were not employees of IBEDC, and as such, IBEDC is not responsible for their termination or any potential reinstatement.”
Dismissing accusations of unfair labor practices, IBEDC also pushed back against what it described as misleading narratives.
“IBEDC strongly rejects any misleading narratives that unfairly attempt to associate IBEDC with this issue. These reports misrepresent the facts and could mislead the public and stakeholders,” the statement read.
The company further condemned the NLC’s calls for picketing, warning that such actions disrupt essential services and inconvenience customers.
“We also strongly condemn the repeated calls for picketing, which cause significant disruptions and negatively impact our ability to provide critical power services,” IBEDC said.
Despite IBEDC’s stance, the NLC remains adamant, arguing that the affected workers were unfairly treated.
The Oyo NLC Chairman, Kayode Martins, in an interview with insisted that no worker should be dismissed without justification.
“Even if it is just one person that was sacked, is it right? You cannot treat human beings like animals and expect everyone to stay quiet,” he said.
He expressed concerns about the impact on the affected workers, including vulnerable individuals such as widows.
“There is a widow among those people. Should we wait until it is 3,000 people before we act? Not everyone will stay silent, and not everyone can be bought over.”
Warning of possible industrial action, Martins declared that the NLC would respond if IBEDC refused to reconsider its decision.
“If they are not ready to reabsorb those they have laid off, no problem. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it. We will surely react, and they will see us,” he stated.
