Kaduna Electricity Workers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Mass Layoffs, Unpaid Benefits
By Okafor Joseph Afam
February 4, 2025
Electricity workers in Kaduna State have begun an indefinite strike to protest the mass dismissal of 900 employees by the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO). The strike, led by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), started on Monday, bringing operations at KAEDCO’s corporate headquarters to a standstill.
Workers blocked the company’s entrance with placards, preventing both staff and customers from entering. They also accused KAEDCO’s management of failing to pay long-overdue death and retirement benefits, violating their service agreement.
Speaking at the protest, Pukat Ayuba, NUEE’s northwest zonal organiser, vowed that workers would not back down until KAEDCO rescinded the termination letters and settled outstanding entitlements.
“A year ago, we shut down Kaduna Electric’s premises over unresolved staff issues, including pensions and welfare. Now, a year later, nothing has changed,” Ayuba said.
“The termination of 900 workers without following due process is unacceptable. It worsens Nigeria’s unemployment crisis and economic instability.”
In a letter dated January 31, KAEDCO’s Deputy Managing Director, Abubakar Mohammed, directed affected workers to return all company property. The letter also mentioned that severance packages would be arranged but confirmed that their employment officially ended on January 31.
This is not the first time NUEE has taken such action against KAEDCO. In March 2024, a similar strike was staged over poor working conditions, leaving electricity customers across Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states without power.
With tensions escalating, residents fear another prolonged blackout, while industry watchers await KAEDCO’s
