The indefinite strike by staff of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company entered its second day on Tuesday, with the National Union of Electricity Employees insisting that management must withdraw the disengagement letters issued to 900 workers.
The PUNCH reports that operations at the company have been paralysed as workers protest the mass sack, alongside other grievances, including non-payment of outstanding pensions to retirees, inadequate work tools, lack of promotions for deserving staff, and non-implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage.
Speaking with our correspondent in Kaduna, the Chairman of NUEE, Kaduna State Council, Comrade Sheyin Wakili, clarified that the union was not against the layoffs themselves but opposed the manner in which they were executed without settling the entitlements of the affected workers.
“We are not against the management’s decision to disengage staff, but we reject the failure to fulfil legal obligations. The conditions of service stipulate that disengaged staff must receive their full entitlements, which management has refused to pay,” Wakili said.
He revealed that during a meeting mediated by the Department of State Services on Monday, management initially agreed to withdraw the sack letters but later reneged on the agreement.
“We told them that once the disengagement letters are withdrawn, we will restore power supply immediately. It won’t even take five minutes. But management has refused to listen and instead continues to toy with the livelihoods of our members,” he added.
The strike has plunged Kaduna and its franchise states—Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara—into darkness, affecting both residents and businesses.
While apologising to customers for the inconvenience, Wakili maintained that the strike was necessary to protect workers’ rights.
“We understand the inconvenience this has caused our customers, and we sincerely apologise. However, we cannot stand by while our members are treated unfairly. We will continue to fight for their rights, regardless of the cost,” he said.
The union vowed to sustain the industrial action until management meets its demands, which include the withdrawal of the disengagement letters, payment of entitlements to affected staff, and improved welfare for workers.
“We will not back down until our demands are fully met. We are open to negotiations but will not be intimidated or coerced into compromising the rights of our members,” Wakili insisted.
Efforts to get a reaction from Kaduna Electric’s management were unsuccessful.
The Head of Corporate Communication, Abdullazeez Abdullahi, responded to our correspondent’s inquiry via WhatsApp, saying, “Hello, I will share a statement with you when it’s ready. Thank you for reaching out.”
