The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company(AEDC) has began a mass retrenchment exercise affecting about 800 staff and employees, amid rising inflation, soaring living costs, and unstable power supply.
The power company, which serves the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa States, underwent months of internal reorganisation before to the mass layoffs that started on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
Findings gathered from sources familiar with the company’s development revealed that the management had first suggested firing 1,800 employees before lowering the figure to 800 following a series of heated discussions with the National Union of Electricity Employees and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies.
According to one of the sources, who works with AEDC, the management had originally intended to fire 1,800 employees, but under pressure from the unions, who had initially maintained that no employee should be let go, the number was lowered to 800.
“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,” the employee, who pleaded not to be named in order not to be victimised, stated.
“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,” another source familiar with the development revealed.
A copy of the disengagement letter titled “Notification of Disengagement from Service”, obtained by The PUNCH, dated November 5, 2025, and signed by AEDC’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Adeniyi Adejola, confirmed that the exercise was part of an “ongoing rightsizing process.”
The letter additionally stated that all affected staff would be paid their due entitlements upon completion of the required exit clearance process.
The letter 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.”
The widespread layoffs at AEDC highlight the worsening situation in Nigeria’s power industry, which despite more than ten years of reforms still faces insufficient investment, inadequate infrastructure, and poor cost recovery.
Due to disagreements about payment failures and management changes, particularly in 2021 and 2023, AEDC’s operational licence barely avoided regulatory suspension last year. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has been putting increasing pressure on the corporation, which is now privately run, to enhance service performance and lower energy losses.
Particularly in Abuja and the surrounding states, where citizens have long complained about inadequate energy supply and arbitrary pricing, this fresh round of job layoffs may put more burden on an already overworked workforce and worsen customer discontent.
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