By Mustapha Salisu
The Management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has clarified that the recent picketing of its offices by members of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) stemmed from both legacy and ongoing staff welfare concerns.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing today, the Managing Director of KEDCO, Dr. Abubakar Shauaibu Jimeta, lamented the shutting down of services to customers across the company’s franchise areas in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States.
He emphasized that the management is not out to escalate the matter but is seeking a “soft landing” to ensure services are restored as soon as possible.
Dr. Jimeta explained that one of the major issues raised by the unions was the payment of N510 million in staff allowances. According to him, the management had agreed to an initial payment plan and had already paid N25 million as of yesterday, with an understanding that the remaining N485 million would be fully settled by the end of January through February 2026.
“However, the unions insisted that N500 million be paid within two hours, a demand that led to the abrupt shutdown of operations” Dr. Jimeta stressed.
Other issues raised by the union are outstanding death benefit which he said 100% of the package has been settled as of November 2025.
He further noted that the shutdown had caused significant financial losses, which if estimated would be running into hundreds of millions of naira, and urged all parties to reflect on “where we are coming from and where we are going” in order to safeguard progress made so far.
Dr. Jimeta reaffirmed that since assuming office seven months ago, with support of the core investor, Future Energy Africa, the current management has prioritized staff welfare and entitlements, implementing a structured welfare programme to address outstanding issues, particularly staff pensions, over 80% of the agreed 2025 pension remittances have already been paid.
He also highlighted that after 5 years, a transparent promotion exercise was recently conducted in line with company policy, leading to the promotion of 1,500 eligible staff members out of over 2000 staff.
The KEDCO boss assured that management is actively engaging relevant stakeholders to resolve all pending matters and achieve lasting industrial peace, while reiterating that employee welfare remains a top priority.
He expressed confidence that the company will overcome its current challenges and continue implementing measures to encourage staff dedication and maintain industrial harmony.