The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has terminated the employment of about 800 workers as part of its ongoing restructuring process, deepening concerns over the state of Nigeria’s power sector.
The retrenchment, which started on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, comes as Nigerians continue to face unstable power supply, rising inflation, and increasing living expenses. AEDC, which distributes electricity to Abuja, Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa States, confirmed that the exercise was part of a rightsizing initiative aimed at adjusting its workforce.
According to sources within the company, the management had initially planned to dismiss about 1,800 workers but later reduced the figure to 800 after negotiations with the National Union of Electricity Employees and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies. The decision followed months of internal restructuring and discussions over the company’s financial and operational challenges.
Disengagement letters issued to affected staff were signed by the Chief Human Resources Officer, Adeniyi Adejola, and dated November 5, 2025. The letters stated that the exercise followed an ongoing rightsizing effort and that all affected employees would receive their entitlements after completing exit clearance procedures.
AEDC has faced repeated management and financial crises over the years. Its operating licence narrowly avoided suspension in previous years due to disputes over debt repayment and inefficiency in service delivery. The company has also been under pressure from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to improve electricity distribution and reduce energy losses.
The job cuts have raised fears of worsening service conditions, especially in Abuja and surrounding states, where residents already complain about irregular power supply and unfair billing practices.
When contacted, the Head of Customer Experience, Kenechukwu Ofili, confirmed the ongoing retrenchment, describing it as a routine process handled in line with internal frameworks and labour agreements.
The mass layoff marks another setback for the power sector, which continues to battle poor infrastructure, low investment, and weak customer confidence despite years of reform efforts.