The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has criticised the recent retrenchment of 800 employees by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) under its ongoing restructuring programme.
The union said the exercise violated the spirit of mutual trust underpinning its agreement with the company’s management.
In a statement on Monday in Abuja, Dominic Igwebike, the Acting General Secretary of NUEE, said the mass layoff was ill-timed given Nigeria’s current economic hardship.
AEDC had earlier explained on its website that the restructuring was aimed at improving service delivery, operational efficiency, and fostering a more customer-centric culture. The company said it promoted high-performing staff while releasing retirees and underperforming employees.
Igwebike, however, called for a comprehensive review of the process, insisting that the exercise was not conducted in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the management and the unions.
“The number involved is unacceptably high, taking into consideration the current economic reality in the country and the manpower gap in the company,” he said.
The union leader argued that some employees listed for dismissal had “no business being on the retrenchment list,” noting that poor performance could result from management’s failure to provide necessary tools or a conducive working environment.
He expressed concern that over 60 per cent of those affected were youths, warning of the social and economic consequences of rising unemployment.
“The long-term economic and social impact of youth unemployment on households and communities cannot be overemphasised,” he said.
Igwebike further alleged that the retrenchment targeted union members, claiming that over 70 per cent of NUEE officials across AEDC’s four state councils and 21 chapters were affected.
The union demanded a line-by-line audit of the performance and disciplinary records of all affected workers, as well as the establishment of a joint AEDC–Union committee to review the process, handle appeals, and ensure fairness.
“While the union reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights, we advise the management of AEDC to engage the inherent potentials of its workforce to achieve the desired productivity,” Igwebike added.
