Electricity Supply To Be Disrupted As IBEDC Workers Stand Against DisCos Takeover
By Naija Enquirer Staff
Electricity supply within the network controlled by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) may soon face disruption as electricity workers have rejected the planned takeover of the company.
The workers cited unresolved labour issues, insisting that all outstanding employee obligations must be fully addressed before any transfer of ownership is concluded.
Operating under the umbrella of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), the workers warned that they would resist the acquisition process and could shut down operations if the current management fails to settle all outstanding entitlements owed to employees prior to the handover.
Union Issues Strong Warning To New Investors
In a statement titled “Caveat Emptor – Buyers Beware”, signed by the Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the union raised concerns over the proposed new investor expected to take over the distribution company.
“Our attention has been drawn to the ‘New Investor’ taking over Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC),” the statement read.
“It is pertinent to bring to the knowledge of the purported buyers of Ibadan Disco and the general public that there are several Labour issues the current owners and the Management must resolve and fully settle before transferring ownership.”
The union further warned that failure to resolve the issues would lead to serious resistance from workers.
“If these issues are not resolved and fully settled, the Union will vehemently resist the takeover of the franchise by the new buyers otherwise, the owners will acquire both the assets and liabilities of the company and be ready to settle the outstanding Labour obligations to the letter as the acquisition transaction is going on,” it added.
Workers Demand Full Settlement Before Handover
NUEE insisted that any incoming investor must be prepared to assume both the assets and liabilities of IBEDC, stressing that workers’ welfare must not be compromised in the transition process.
The union emphasized that unresolved labour matters could result in industrial action, including a possible shutdown of operations.
Possible Industrial Action May Worsen Power Supply
Electricity workers warned that if the pending labour issues are ignored, industrial action could be triggered, a move that may further strain electricity supply in IBEDC franchise areas.
The development adds to growing concerns over stability in Nigeria’s power distribution sector, especially as ownership restructuring continues across several DisCos nationwide.
