Operations were temporarily disrupted on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Kano Electricity Distribution Plc (KEDCO) as electricity workers staged a peaceful protest over unpaid pensions and inadequate staff welfare.
The demonstration was organised by members of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE).
Workers carried placards with messages like: “Remit our 92 months pension deductions,” “Non-implementation of performance appraisal,” “Inadequate staff welfare,” and “Lack of working tools and PPE.”
Speaking to journalists, SSAEAC Deputy President General (North), Rilwanu Shehu, accused the KEDCO management of failing to honour several agreements with staff.
He described the situation as unacceptable, alleging that employees were working under unsafe conditions without proper tools.
Shehu claimed that pension deductions covering more than 90 months had yet to be remitted to pension fund administrators.
He also highlighted the non-payment of entitlements, including performance appraisals, allowances, and welfare packages.
“We are not asking for new agreements; we are only requesting that management fulfill existing commitments.
“Once pensions are paid and welfare issues addressed, staff are ready to resume normal operations,” he said.
Similarly, NUEE Vice President Ado Gaya said the protest came after negotiations with KEDCO management broke down following the expiration of an ultimatum issued by the workers.
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Gaya also raised concerns about selective promotions, unpaid 13th-month allowances, and irregular implementation of staff appraisals.
“This is not our first protest. Recent meetings ended in deadlock, leaving us with no choice but to take to the streets,” he said.
Responding, the KEDCO management acknowledged that the protest stemmed from both legacy and current staff welfare concerns.
In a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Bala, the company said it had prioritised employee welfare since the current management assumed office seven months ago.
The statement noted that over 80 percent of the agreed 2025 pension remittances had been paid and that about 1,500 eligible staff had recently received promotions through a transparent process.
KEDCO assured all stakeholders of its commitment to resolving the issues through dialogue to restore industrial harmony.
