The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), a power distribution firm owned by billionaire businessman, Tony Elumelu, has confirmed the mass layoff of its workers amid persistent power outages across the country.
NAIJAONPOINT had earlier reported that the DisCo laid off over 800 employees in an exercise that began on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, even as Nigerians continue to struggle with rising inflation, high living costs, and erratic electricity supply.
AEDC power distribution firm serves the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa States.
Sources within the company said management had initially planned to sack 1,800 workers, but the figure was later reduced to 800 after tense negotiations with the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEC).
A copy of one of the disengagement letters, titled “Notification of Disengagement from Service” and dated November 5, 2025, was signed by Adeniyi Adejola, AEDC’s Chief Human Resources Officer.
In a statement made available to NAIJAONPOINT on Friday, AEDC explained that the restructuring was part of its new strategic direction aimed at making the company more agile, innovative, and customer-centric.
“As part of the transformation, we have promoted high-performing staff, released retiring employees and those performing below par, and have put in motion the implementation of a robust employee development and customer management plan aimed at driving our customer-centric focus.
“AEDC is committed to providing reliable, safe, and sustainable electricity to its customers across its touchpoints, supporting the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy sector,” the company said.
The mass retrenchment underscores the deepening crisis in Nigeria’s power sector, which continues to suffer from poor infrastructure, weak investments, and low cost recovery despite more than a decade of privatisation reforms.
AEDC narrowly escaped regulatory suspension last year following disputes over payment defaults and management changes that had previously rocked the company in 2021 and 2023.
In May 2025, the Federal Government fined the company ₦1.69 billion for overbilling consumers. According to a supplementary order issued that month, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said the penalty was imposed due to AEDC’s failure to comply with its “order on non-compliance with capping of estimated bills,” as well as a review of additional data submitted by the company.
Observers fear the latest layoffs could further strain the already overstretched workforce and deepen customer dissatisfaction, particularly in Abuja and neighbouring states, where residents frequently complain about erratic power supply and arbitrary billing.