The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), also known as “Abuja Disco” has begun laying off 800 employees as part of a monthslong internal review aimed at enhancing service delivery, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Sources within the company disclosed that the layoff, which began on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, was scaled down from an initial proposal to disengage 1,800 workers.
Despite union resistance, AEDC management maintained that the restructuring was essential to eliminate redundancies, streamline operations, and meet rising regulatory expectations in the power sector.
In a statement released late Thursday, AEDC confirmed the move aligns with its broader corporate transformation strategy designed to reposition the utility firm as more agile, innovative, and customer-focused.
The company emphasized that the restructuring is not solely a downsizing effort but a strategic overhaul to foster a performance-driven culture.
“As part of the transformation, the Company has promoted high-performing staff, released retiring employees and those performing below par, and has put in motion the implementation of a robust employee development and customer management plan aimed at driving AEDC’s customer-centric focus,” the statement read.
The restructuring also includes the rollout of a comprehensive employee development initiative and a revamped customer management framework to strengthen service delivery.
AEDC is a key player in Nigeria’s power sector, responsible for distributing electricity across Nigeria’s middle belt. It covers a vast service area of approximately 133,014 square kilometers, including:
- FCT: 7,607 sq km
- Niger State: 68,925 sq km
- Nasarawa State: 28,735 sq km
- Kogi State: 27,747 sq km
AEDC was established following the unbundling and privatization of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in 2013.
Acquired by Transcorp Power in May 2023, the Abuja Disco is one of the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) created to improve power supply and customer service across Nigeria.
The restructuring will help the company to invest in infrastructure upgrades to improve customer experience.
“With a strong commitment to delighting its customers, AEDC continues to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy sector through investments in infrastructure, innovative technologies, and sustainable practices,” the company said.
It insists the changes will ultimately lead to a more responsive and efficient organization capable of delivering world-class electricity services to its customers.
To improve the lingering issue of efficiency and liquidity in the power sector, the Nigerian government has said it will unveil a new minimum capital requirement for all Discos in the country beginning from 2028.