The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has laid off 800 employees in a sweeping retrenchment exercise triggered by ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s power sector. The move, which began on Wednesday, November 5, is part of AEDC’s internal restructuring aimed at addressing operational inefficiencies and revenue shortfalls Sahara Reporters The Punch.
AEDC, which supplies electricity to the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa States, had initially planned to dismiss 1,800 workers, but scaled down the figure following intense negotiations with the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) The Punch YNaija.
The layoffs come at a time when Nigerians are grappling with rising inflation, high living costs, and erratic power supply, raising concerns about the impact on service delivery and employee welfare. Industry observers say the retrenchment underscores the deepening crisis in Nigeria’s electricity sector, which continues to suffer from low investment, weak infrastructure, and poor cost recovery despite years of reform efforts sahelstandard.com.
AEDC has acknowledged the contributions of the affected workers and extended best wishes for their future endeavors, while assuring stakeholders of its commitment to improving operational efficiency.
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