The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has debunked claims by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) that it unlawfully dismissed 221 staff members.
IBEDC clarified that the individuals in question were never direct employees of the company.
In a statement by IBEDC made available to westernmirror.com.ng on Friday, March 7, the power distribution company dismissed allegations that it had terminated over 3,000 workers and called such claims “completely false and misleading.”
The company explained that the affected individuals were outsourced personnel from Premier International Procurements & Logistics Limited (PIPLL), a third-party human resource firm that provided staff to IBEDC.
“The affected individuals were never employees of IBEDC, and as such, IBEDC is not responsible for their termination or any potential reinstatement,” the company stated.
IBEDC emphasized that PIPLL, as the official employer, bears full responsibility for handling the employment status of its staff.
The company also criticized misleading narratives that falsely associate it with the dispute, warning that such misinformation could distort public perception and stakeholder confidence.
To further distance itself from the controversy, IBEDC disclosed that it has warned PIPLL that their business relationship is at risk due to its unprofessional handling of the issue.
In response to calls for protests and picketing, IBEDC expressed concerns about the negative impact of such actions on electricity distribution. The company urged the public and labor unions to consider the critical role of power supply in economic growth and stability.
“Repeated calls for picketing cause significant disruptions and inconvenience to our customers, negatively impacting our ability to provide essential electricity services,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, IBEDC confirmed that PIPLL has begun discussions with relevant parties, including the Ministry of Labour and the NLC, to resolve the matter.
This online newspaper reports that the dispute is part of a trend of labor-related tensions in Nigeria’s power sector.
In recent years, outsourcing and contract employment have been contentious issues, with unions frequently demanding better job security for workers.
Similar cases have emerged in other distribution companies, leading to strikes and disruptions.
IBEDC has however, reaffirmed its commitment to ethical labor practices and promised to continue delivering reliable electricity services to its customers.
The company urged stakeholders to support its efforts in maintaining transparency and ensuring uninterrupted power supply.