AEDC Lays Off Over 780 Workers Amid Ongoing Rightsizing, Management Instability
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has disengaged more than 780 employees as part of an ongoing rightsizing exercise, marking one of the largest staff reductions in the company’s recent history.
The development comes amid persistent management instability at AEDC following the takeover of the utility by Transcorp Power in 2023. Since then, the company has recorded multiple leadership changes, including the appointment of two Managing Directors within a year. Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye currently serves as Acting Managing Director, having taken over from Christopher Ezeafulukwe in July 2024.
Prior to these changes, the company had also seen Bada Akinwumi and Victor Ojelabi occupy interim or acting MD roles, reflecting prolonged leadership fluctuations.
The latest disengagement exercise affects staff across levels 4 to 10, including casual workers. It follows weeks of negotiations between AEDC management and two in-house unions: the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC).
Letters issued to affected employees indicate that their services are no longer required effective November 5, 2025. The letters instruct recipients to undergo exit clearance procedures and return company property before receiving their exit payments.
A negotiated exit package was also agreed upon between the management and the unions. The key terms include:
For Staff on Grades 6–4:
- 28% of annual gross salary as an exit token
- Payment of 13 months’ basic salary as separation benefits
- Payment of the 13th month salary
For Staff on Grades 7–10:
- 39% of annual gross salary as an exit token
- Payment of 15 months’ basic salary
- Payment of the 13th month salary
For Ad-hoc Staff:
- 45% of annual gross salary as an exit token
- Payment of 20 months’ basic salary as separation benefits
- Payment of the 13th month salary
Additionally, pension contributions will be calculated and remitted to respective Pension Fund Administrators. Check-off dues will be deducted for both union and non-union members at agreed percentages.
Meanwhile, uncertainty remains within the company’s wider workforce, with employees expressing concern about further possible job losses, particularly as states assume greater regulatory control over electricity distribution following the Electricity Act of 2023.
AEDC acknowledged the contributions of affected workers and extended best wishes for their future endeavors. However, the exercise has heightened anxiety across the company’s operational zones as staff await clarity on the next phase of restructuring.
