AEDC fires 800 workers

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has embarked on a major downsizing exercise that has seen about 800 of its employees lose their jobs, even as households and businesses continue to grapple with rising inflation, soaring living costs, and persistent power shortages.

The retrenchment, which commenced on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, follows months of internal restructuring at the power distribution firm, which supplies electricity to the Federal Capital Territory as well as Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa States.

Multiple company insiders  said that the management initially planned to disengage about 1,800 staff members but scaled the number down to 800 after intense negotiations with the National Union of Electricity Employees and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies.

One employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said, “The 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.”

Another source close to the development 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, and then yesterday, the affected staff started receiving letters.”

A copy of the disengagement notice, titled “Notification of Disengagement from Service” and dated November 5, 2025, was sighted by our reporter. Signed by the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Adeniyi Adejola, the letter confirmed that the retrenchment was part of an “ongoing rightsizing process.”

The letter also assured affected staff that they would receive their entitlements once they completed the exit clearance process.

It read 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. Please be assured that this decision was made after careful consideration and in accordance with company policy.

“You are kindly required to complete the Exit Clearance process in your Zone and return any company property in your possession before your final exit to your HR Business Partner. Completion of these formalities will be required before the processing of your exit payment.

“Please note that applicable deductions, including PAYE, check-off dues, outstanding loans, and unretired advances (if any), will be made in accordance with company policy and relevant statutory provisions. AEDC acknowledges your contributions during your period of service and extends best wishes for success in your future endeavours.”

(PUNCH)