The usually busy Challenge-Dugbe axis of Ibadan was thrown into chaos on Tuesday as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, stormed the headquarters of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
Their mission was clear: to demand justice for over 3,000 workers who were recently dismissed.
With chants of solidarity songs and placards in hand, the protesters shut down IBEDC operations, blocking the entrance and effectively crippling activities at the power company. The ripple effect was immediate—heavy traffic, stranded commuters, and heightened tension in the area.
Leading the charge was NLC Chairman in the state, Kayode Martin, who did not mince words in condemning the mass sack.
“Over 3,000 workers have been thrown into the unemployment market without any justifiable reason. These are people who have dedicated their time and energy to this company, and they are now being treated like disposable items,” Martin declared.
Beyond the layoffs, Martin raised concerns about IBEDC’s outsourcing practices, accusing contractors of exploiting workers through withheld minimum wages and arbitrary salary deductions.
“These outsourcing agents are not only refusing to pay the minimum wage, but they are also making arbitrary deductions from the meagre salaries of the workers. This is unacceptable, and we will not stand for it.”
The union submitted a list of seven demands to IBEDC, including:
- Immediate reinstatement of all dismissed workers
- Implementation of the new national minimum wage
- Payment of backlogged Retirement Savings Account (RSA) contributions
- Regularization of outsourced staff
- Freedom for employees to join unions
- Provision of standard healthcare services
- Payment of all outstanding allowances and compensations
Martin also appealed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, urging him to intervene before the situation spirals out of control.
“The rate of unemployment in the country is already alarming. Adding 3,000 more to the list will only fuel insecurity and social unrest.”
Despite the disruption, the NLC insists that their goal is not to cause trouble but to seek justice.
“We are ready for dialogue, but we will not back down until our demands are met,” Martin vowed.
