AEDC lays off 800 workers in major restructuring exercise

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has dismissed about 800 workers in a large-scale retrenchment exercise, marking one of the biggest layoffs in Nigeria’s power sector in recent years.

The downsizing, which began on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, is part of an internal restructuring process aimed at addressing the company’s ongoing operational and financial challenges. AEDC, which supplies electricity to the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa States, has been battling inefficiencies and revenue shortfalls.

According to multiple sources, several insiders confirmed that management initially intended to sack about 1,800 workers but later reduced the figure to 800 following intense negotiations with the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC).

“Management wanted to sack 1,800, but after much pressure, they brought it down to 800. The unions initially insisted that nobody should be sacked,” one affected employee said anonymously to avoid victimisation.

Another insider added, “The unions first said nobody should be sacked, but later they allegedly agreed to 800. The affected staff were supposed to start receiving their letters from Monday, but it was delayed until Wednesday.”

A copy of the disengagement letter titled “Notification of Disengagement from Service” and dated November 5, 2025, was signed by AEDC’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Adeniyi Adejola. The letter confirmed that the layoffs were part of an “ongoing rightsizing process.”

“We regret to inform you that your services with the company will no longer be required, effective 5th November 2025. This decision follows the outcome of the company’s ongoing rightsizing exercise,” the letter read in part. “You are kindly required to complete the Exit Clearance process in your Zone and return any company property before your final exit to your HR Business Partner.”

The company noted that deductions such as PAYE, check-off dues, loans, and unretired advances would be made before final settlement, while also expressing appreciation for the contributions of the disengaged employees.

The mass layoff underscores the deepening crisis in Nigeria’s electricity sector, where poor revenue collection, mounting consumer debts, and unstable regulatory conditions have forced several power distribution companies into restructuring and downsizing.

Analysts warn that AEDC’s retrenchment could further expose the fragility of the power sector, as operators continue to struggle with rising operational costs and dwindling profitability.