The management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has announced the suspension of the industrial action embarked upon by its employees, following what it described as productive engagements and concrete resolutions reached with all parties involved.
In a statement issued by Sani Bala Sani, Head of Corporate Communications of the company, and seen by BusinessDay on Saturday, KEDCO said the decision came after extensive deliberations that helped resolve the impasse between management and electricity workers.
BusinessDay observed that electricity supply across Kano and other areas within KEDCO’s franchise was gradually restored in the early hours of Saturday, after several days of widespread blackout triggered by the strike.
KEDCO acknowledged the roles played by key stakeholders in achieving the breakthrough, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Future Energies Africa (FEA), the company’s core investor, as well as the Kano State Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy. According to the statement, the interventions of these bodies ensured constructive and conclusive discussions that paved the way for the suspension of the strike.
The company explained that addressing inherited issues—particularly unpaid pension obligations, employee emoluments and other benefits—has remained a major focus since the completion of its restructuring exercise, which ushered in FEA as the new core investor.
“KEDCO is making steady progress, and management anticipates that the current plans and trajectory will lead to the final resolution of these long-standing inherited issues,” the statement said.
The industrial action, which began earlier in the week, was organised by electricity workers under the aegis of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE). The unions accused KEDCO of failing to remit pension deductions spanning several years, non-payment of bonuses, and poor staff welfare, leading to the shutdown of power supply across much of Kano State and parts of Jigawa and Katsina States.
The blackout had disrupted economic and social activities, forcing businesses, hospitals and households to rely heavily on generators, thereby increasing operating costs and inconveniencing residents.
As part of the agreements reached, KEDCO confirmed the settlement of significant outstanding arrears owed to workers. According to the statement, the company has paid a total of N170 million, covering 13th-month salary (bonus) arrears of N150 million and appraisal bonuses of N20 million for the period between 2019 and 2022.
The management said the payments underscore its commitment to meeting its obligations to staff and improving industrial harmony within the company.
In addition, KEDCO pledged to clear the 2025 13th month salary arrears, valued at N174 million, which it said would be paid in the February 2026 salary cycle, alongside regular salary payments.
The suspension of the industrial action is expected to stabilise electricity distribution across Kano State and other areas within KEDCO’s coverage, easing disruptions experienced by residents and businesses during the strike.
