Blackout in Lagos as NLC Shuts Down Ikeja Electric Over Alleged Poor Treatment of Workers, DSS Intervenes

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has shut down Ikeja Electric, one of Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies, over allegations of poor treatment of employees.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has also intervened to resolve the crisis between IKEDC and the labour union.

Assistant General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Comrade Mbang Ntukubes, revealed this development during an interview with Daily Trust at Ikeja Electric’s headquarters in Lagos.

Expressing his dissatisfaction, Comrade Ntukubes criticized the management’s approach, stating that the company had failed to uphold the agreement on staff conditions of service negotiated between the union and the organization.

“There is significant disagreement here. This place has essentially become a slave camp, with management treating workers like slaves,” he said.

He explained that the jointly negotiated service conditions, which outline procedures for addressing issues such as discipline, promotion, training, and termination, were being disregarded by management.

“They have abandoned all the provisions we agreed upon,” Ntukubes said. “They dismiss employees arbitrarily and promote only those they choose, ignoring the terms of the service agreement. When it comes to the new minimum wage, they are unwilling to engage in meaningful discussions.”

According to Ntukubes, this situation has persisted for nearly two years without resolution.

“Despite our efforts to address these concerns, management shows no willingness to listen,” he added.

He highlighted that the lack of commitment from Ikeja Electric’s management to honor the terms of service had prompted the union’s protests.

“Management has yet to clearly state the reasons behind their actions. We held a meeting on Friday, but it ended without any resolution. The current unrest is a direct response to our unsuccessful attempts to resolve these issues amicably,” Ntukubes explained.

He also mentioned that the DSS had stepped in to facilitate dialogue in hopes of reaching a compromise.

“The discussions are now being mediated by the government. The DSS has invited us to explore potential middle ground,” he said.