The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has condemned the mass retrenchment of about 800 workers by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) under its ongoing restructuring programme, describing the exercise as a breach of existing agreements between the union and the company’s management.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the Acting General Secretary of NUEE, Mr. Dominic Igwebike, said the restructuring process had failed to uphold the spirit of mutual trust and understanding enshrined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) previously signed by both parties. He warned that the large-scale layoff could worsen the country’s economic hardship and further deepen unemployment, particularly among young people.
AEDC had earlier announced on its website that the restructuring formed part of its strategic plan to enhance service delivery, boost operational efficiency, and foster innovation. The company explained that it had promoted high-performing employees while disengaging retirees and staff whose performance did not meet expectations.
However, Mr. Igwebike faulted both the execution and timing of the exercise, describing it as insensitive to the prevailing economic realities.
“The number involved is unacceptably high, taking into consideration the current economic situation in the country and the manpower gap within the company,” he said.
“Some of those listed for retrenchment have no business being there. The figure undermines workers’ livelihoods and the sustainability of the workforce.”
He further argued that the alleged underperformance cited by AEDC management might have stemmed from the company’s own failure to provide adequate tools and a conducive working environment. According to him, over 60 per cent of the affected staff are young workers — a development he said could aggravate youth unemployment and its attendant social consequences.
The union also accused AEDC management of using the restructuring process to victimise its members, alleging that more than 70 per cent of union officials across the company’s four state councils and 21 chapters were among those dismissed.
Mr. Igwebike called for a comprehensive review of the retrenchment exercise, including a line-by-line audit of the performance and disciplinary records of all affected employees. He urged the company to establish a joint AEDC–Union committee to oversee the review and appeals process, and to provide redress for those unfairly dismissed.
“While the union reaffirms its commitment to protecting workers’ rights, we advise AEDC management to harness the potential of its workforce to achieve the desired productivity,” he added.
