The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has commenced a sweeping retrenchment exercise affecting about 800 employees, even as Nigerians continue to reel under rising inflation, soaring living costs, and erratic power supply.
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has begun a sweeping retrenchment exercise, affecting about 800 employees, even as Nigerians struggle with soaring living costs and erratic power supply, according to PUNCH reporting.
The mass layoff, which began on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, follows months of internal restructuring at the utility firm, which serves the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa States. Multiple sources familiar with the development told PUNCH correspondents that the AEDC management had initially proposed to sack 1,800 workers before reducing the number to 800 following negotiations with the National Union of Electricity Employees and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies.
One unnamed AEDC employee stated, “The management wanted to sack 1800, but after much pressure, they brought it down to 800. The unions initially insisted that nobody should be sacked.”
A disengagement letter, dated November 5, 2025, and signed by AEDC’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Adeniyi Adejola, confirmed the exercise was part of an “ongoing rightsizing process.” The letter stated in part: “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 AEDC’s Head of Customer Experience, Kenechukwu Ofili, confirmed the sackings, calling it a “normal routine exercise” and adding that, “a statement would be released. The process is ongoing and is being handled in line with the agreed framework.” The layoff underscores the deepening crisis in Nigeria’s power sector.