JUST IN: Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Sacks 800 Workers
By Passman Akpos
Abuja, Nigeria — The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has reportedly terminated the employment of about 800 staff members, sparking widespread concern among workers and unions within the power sector.
Sources within the company confirmed that the mass dismissal affected employees across various departments, including technical, commercial, and administrative units. The move, according to internal memos sighted by journalists, is part of a “comprehensive restructuring exercise” aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing overhead costs.
An AEDC management official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the decision was “painful but necessary,” noting that the company had been grappling with financial challenges due to poor revenue collection, rising debts, and operational inefficiencies.
> “This is a strategic restructuring to reposition AEDC for sustainability. The company cannot continue to operate under its current cost structure,” the source explained.
However, the sack has been met with strong opposition from labour unions, particularly the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), which described the move as “inhumane and ill-timed.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NUEE warned that it would not hesitate to embark on industrial action if the affected workers were not reinstated or adequately compensated.
> “You cannot throw 800 families into the streets without dialogue. This is unacceptable, and we demand immediate engagement with the union,” the statement read.
Some affected workers expressed shock and frustration, alleging that they received termination letters without prior warning or explanation.
The mass layoff comes amid growing public complaints about poor power supply across the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding states under AEDC’s coverage area.
Analysts fear that the development could further disrupt service delivery and exacerbate Nigeria’s already fragile electricity situation.
As of press time, AEDC’s spokesperson had yet to issue an official statement confirming or clarifying the details of the retrenchment.
