The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has voiced concern over the recent mass retrenchment of 800 employees by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) as part of its restructuring scheme. The union argues that the move falls short of the agreement between unions and management, which was founded on mutual trust.
AEDC announced the restructuring plan on its website, stating that it aimed to improve services to customers, enhance operational efficiency, and achieve excellence. The company described the initiative as part of its corporate transformation and strategic direction to become more agile, innovative, and customer‑centric. According to AEDC, the restructuring involved promoting high‑performing staff, releasing retiring employees, and letting go of those performing below expectations.
NUEE, however, has called for a comprehensive review of the entire process, citing the large number of workers affected and the potential impact on the company’s workforce. Acting General Secretary Dominic Igwebike described the number of retrenchments as “unacceptably high” given the country’s current economic difficulties. He also highlighted that over 60 % of the affected staff are youths, a situation that could have long‑term economic and social implications for households and communities.
Igwebike further noted that some workers on the retrenchment list had no business being there and suggested that the company’s justification of underperformance could stem from either worker ineptitude or management‑induced factors such as lack of necessary tools and a conducive work environment. The union observed that more than 70 % of union officials across the company’s four state councils and 21 chapters were affected, interpreting this as a deliberate attempt to victimize the union.
The NUEE has demanded a detailed audit of performance records and disciplinary histories for all affected employees, as well as a review of those on performance‑improvement tracks. It has also requested that AEDC provide access to these records and establish a joint committee to oversee the review, handle appeals, and implement a mitigation process for those unfairly targeted. The union reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights and urged AEDC management to engage the inherent potential of its workers to achieve the desired productivity.
The development carries significant implications for the company’s workforce and the broader economy, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.
Comments are closed for this story.