Workers from the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in Kaduna state started an indefinite strike on Monday, protesting Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company’s (KAEDCO) decision to fire 900 staff members.
The workers blocked KAEDCO’s corporate headquarters entrance with placards, stopping both employees and customers from entering. They also accused management of refusing to pay death and retirement benefits required by their service agreement.
Pukat Ayuba, who organises the NUEE northwest zone, said workers won’t end the strike until KAEDCO cancels the termination letters and pays the owed benefits.
“A year ago, we shut down Kaduna Electric’s premises over staff issues, including pension and welfare. One year later, nothing has been resolved,” Ayuba said.
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“The termination of 900 staff, disregarding the conditions of service, is unacceptable. It worsens Nigeria’s growing problems.”
KAEDCO’s deputy managing director, Abubakar Mohammed, sent a letter on January 31 telling affected workers to return company property. The letter mentioned they would arrange severance packages but stated the workers’ services ended on January 31st.
This isn’t the first strike – NUEE workers also walked out in March 2024 over poor treatment by KAEDCO management. That strike left electricity customers in Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi without power.
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