By: Bayero Ade
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has initiated an indefinite strike following the dismissal of approximately 900 employees by the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC).
According to Afripost, The mass layoffs, which took effect on January 31, 2025, have sparked strong opposition from the union, particularly as affected workers were reportedly let go without immediate compensation.
According to reports, the workers began receiving their termination letters yesterday, though the decision had been finalized the previous week.
In an official statement, KEDC cited “operational challenges” as the reason for the dismissals. The company’s monthly performance review meeting—attended by key executives, including Managing Director/CEO Dr. Umar Abubakar Hashidu, Board Chairman Aminu Suleiman, and Human Resource Committee Chairman Ibrahim Umar—was where the final decision was made.
The termination notice stated:
“We refer to your offer of employment and write to inform you that your services will no longer be required, effective January 31, 2025. This decision was made in response to current operational challenges.”
KEDC outlined severance benefits for the affected workers, including a 13th-month salary of N49,448.11 and nine months of basic salary totaling N445,033.07, bringing the total net benefit to N494,481.18. Additionally, the company acknowledged an outstanding pension liability of N1,225,164.63, bringing the total benefits to N1,719,645.83. It assured workers that pension contributions would be transferred to their retirement savings accounts in due course.
Reacting to the development, NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, condemned the dismissals, stating that the union had not been informed beforehand. He directed union members to immediately halt operations at KEDC.
“We were blindsided by this unjust decision. As a result, we have shut down KEDC operations since Sunday, and our strike will continue indefinitely,” Igwebike stated.
With the strike already in effect, electricity supply in the affected areas is expected to be significantly impacted until the dispute is resolved.
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