Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has refuted a report alleging that it unlawfully sacked of some staff from its employ.
It categorically stated that the claim by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, on sacking over 3,000 employees was completely false and misleading.
The electricity distribution company made this known in a disclaimer issued on Friday, describing the report as untrue and a misinformation.
“Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) once again wishes to address and correct the ongoing misinformation surrounding the alleged unlawful termination of 221 staff.
“We would like to categorically state that the claim by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, of sacking over 3,000 employees is completely false and misleading.
“For clarity, the individuals involved were outsourced personnel of Premier International Procurements & Logistics Limited (PIPLL), a third-party human resource outsourcing firm, who seconded the staff to IBEDC.
“They were not employees of IBEDC, and as such, IBEDC is not responsible for their termination or any potential reinstatement.
“IBEDC strongly rejects any misleading narratives that unfairly attempt to associate IBEDC with this issue.
“These reports not only misrepresent the facts but also undermine public discourse, potentially misleading both the general public and key stakeholders.
“We urge the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the media, and the public to take note that the affected individuals were never employees of IBEDC,” it stated in the disclaimer.
The electricity distribution company further clarified that PIPLL, as the official employer, is totally responsible for its employees and must take the necessary actions to provide clarity and resolution to its staff.
“Furthermore, IBEDC have expressly informed PIPLL that its continued business relationship with IBEDC is at serious risk due to its unprofessional handling of this matter.
“As a business, we also strongly condemn the repeated calls for picketing, which cause significant disruptions and inconveniences to our customers, negatively impacting our ability to provide critical power services (essential service) that are vital for driving economic growth.
“Finally, we aware that PIPLL has begun engaging all relevant parties namely, the disengaged PIPLL personnel, Ministry of Labour and the NLC
“IBEDC remains dedicated to upholding ethical labor practices, corporate responsibility, and excellence in service. Our primary focus continues to be the delivery of reliable electricity services to our valued customers,” it stated.
The electricity distribution company expressed appreciation to its stakeholders for their continued support and understanding, assuring that it would work tirelessly to provide accurate information and maintain the high-quality service its customers expected.