By Bunmi Yekini
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has condemned the dismissal of about 800 workers by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), describing the move as “unconscionable” and a breach of existing agreements with labour.
In a statement signed by Acting General Secretary Dominic Igwebike, the union said the company’s restructuring exercise “falls short of the agreement between the unions and management anchored on mutual trust,” adding that the number of affected workers was “unacceptably high” given the country’s current economic hardship.
The NUEE alleged that more than 60% of those laid off were youths and accused AEDC of targeting union members. “Over 70% of union officials across the four state councils and 21 chapters in the company were affected,” the statement said.
The union called for a comprehensive review of the restructuring process and demanded a joint committee of the company and the union to review the layoffs. It also urged an audit of performance records and disciplinary histories to ensure fairness.
“We reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights and urge AEDC management to harness the inherent potentials of its workforce rather than undermine them,” Igwebike said.