Kaduna in Darkness as KAEDCO Sacks 450 Workers Amid Prolonged Strike
The electricity blackout in Kaduna and its surrounding states persisted as the strike by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) entered its second day. Workers of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) have been protesting against the mass layoff of employees, demanding justice for those affected.
The strike, which began on Monday, was triggered by the alleged dismissal of 900 staff members. However, KAEDCO’s management later confirmed that 450 employees had been issued termination letters. NUEE members, who have been picketing KAEDCO’s headquarters, insist that the company must withdraw the termination letters before they suspend the strike. They also list several grievances, including non-payment of retirees’ pensions, inadequate work tools, lack of promotions for deserving employees, and non-implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage.
Comrade Sheyin Nuhu Wakili, Chairman of NUEE, Kaduna State Council, clarified that the union was not entirely against the layoffs but insisted that due compensation must be paid. “We are not opposed to the management’s decision to sack staff, but we are opposed to the manner in which it was done. The condition of service stipulates that sacked staff must be paid their entitlements, which the management has refused to do,” Wakili stated. He also accused KAEDCO’s management of backtracking on an agreement reached during a meeting with the Department of State Services (DSS). “We told them that once they withdraw the letters, we will restore power supply immediately. It will not take us even five minutes. But the management has refused to listen, and instead, has chosen to play games with the livelihoods of our members,” he added.
The ongoing strike has plunged Kaduna and KAEDCO’s franchise states—including Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara—into a power outage, disrupting businesses and daily life. Despite apologizing for the inconvenience, NUEE insists that the strike is necessary to protect workers’ rights. “We understand the plight of our customers, and we apologize for the inconvenience this strike has caused. But we cannot continue to watch as our members are treated like slaves. We will continue to fight for their rights, no matter the cost,” Wakili said.
The union has vowed to continue the strike until their demands are met, including reinstatement of sacked workers, payment of entitlements, and improved welfare for employees. “We will not back down until our demands are met. We are willing to negotiate, but we will not be intimidated or coerced into accepting anything less than what is due to our members,” Wakili reaffirmed.
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Contrary to NUEE’s claim that 900 workers were affected, KAEDCO’s management confirmed that only 450 employees had been dismissed. In a statement, KAEDCO’s Head of Corporate Communication, Abdullazeez Abdullahi, explained that the layoffs were part of a strategic restructuring to address financial and operational challenges. “This decision was made in response to significant operational and financial challenges that have hindered the company’s ability to meet its market and operational obligations. The restructuring, though difficult, is necessary to align the company with current market realities and create a more efficient workforce,” the statement read.
While KAEDCO regretted the prolonged power outage, the company emphasized its commitment to resolving the dispute and restoring normal operations as soon as possible. The situation remains tense as both sides stand their ground, leaving Kaduna residents uncertain about when power will be restored.
