Kaduna DISCO Drop 900 workers

The National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, yesterday shut down operations of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, KEDC, following the firm’s sack of not less than 900 employees, declaring that the affected workers would be paid benefits later.

In response, Organised Labour in the sector, the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, has declared an indefinite strike, shutting KEDC operations

It was gathered that the affected workers started receiving their sack letters yesterday, but the company finalized the planned sack last week with a statement issued on January 31, 2025, announcing the employees were no longer required.

It was gathered the sack followed a monthly Performance Review meeting chaired by Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, MG/CEO, Dr Umar Abubakar Hashidu, and Chairman, Board of Directors, Aminu Suleiman, among others including a board member and Chairman, Human Resource, HR Committee, Ibrahim Umar, in attendance.

Among others, the statement read, “We refer to your offer of employment and write to inform you that your services will no longer be required by the company, effective January 31, 2025.

“This decision was not made lightly and reflects our commitment to adapting our operations to meet current challenges.

“Please find below the summary of your benefits and outstanding obligations.

“Details of Benefits/Obligations, 13th Month Pay (2024): Credit N49, 448.11. 9 Months Basic Salary: Credit N445, 033.07.

“Total Net Benefit: N494, 481.18.”

The outstanding Liability (Pension) is N1, 225,164.63, while the total benefit is N1, 719,645.83.

“Kindly note that N494, 481.19 will be credited to your account accordingly. Your accrued pension will be paid to your retirement savings account with your Pension Fund Administrator, PFA, in due course.

“Upon receipt of this letter, you are expected to return all company property including work tools and your staff identification card to the Human Resources Department without delay.

“We appreciate your contributions to Kaduna Electric and wish you success in your future endeavors.”

Reacting, Acting General Secretary of NUEE, Dominic Igwebike, said the union has directed the workers to shut down all operations of the company till further notice.

According to him, “We got wind of the pending sack without justification and we directed an industrial action that commenced on Sunday. The company started issuing sack letters today (yesterday). The industrial action will continue until further notice.”