Electricity Workers Reject Planned Takeover of Ibadan DISCO

 

Electricity workers in Ibadan have raised serious objections to the government’s proposed takeover of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), calling the plan hasty and threatening to disrupt the stability of power distribution in the region.

At a press briefing, officials from the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and allied labour groups described the move as “undemocratic” and warned that it could have serious implications for workers’ rights, job security, and service delivery. The unions insist that any major restructuring of the company must involve meaningful consultations with employees and stakeholders to avoid industrial unrest.

The workers argued that instead of a forced takeover, attention should be focused on addressing operational inefficiencies, improving revenue collection, and upgrading aging infrastructure. According to them, abrupt changes in management without dialogue are unlikely to solve the longstanding challenges that have plagued the power sector in Ibadan and across Nigeria.

Union leaders made it clear that they will not sit idly by while decisions affecting hundreds of employees are made without their input. They have called on the government, regulatory authorities, and the management of IBEDC to engage in transparent discussions and provide assurances that staff will not lose their jobs or benefits.

Ibadan DISCO, one of the country’s major distribution companies, has faced persistent issues such as high technical and commercial losses, billing disputes, and insufficient infrastructure investment. While the government sees the takeover as a potential solution to these challenges, workers maintain that the move could worsen the situation if executed without proper planning and collaboration.

As the debate continues, union leaders have signaled that they are prepared to escalate their campaign if necessary, including protests and advocacy at the national level, to protect the rights of employees and ensure that any restructuring ultimately benefits both staff and electricity consumers.

The situation underscores the delicate balance between policy intervention and stakeholder engagement in Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting the importance of dialogue, transparency, and careful planning in addressing systemic challenges.