Electricity workers under the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) staged a protest on Wednesday at the headquarters of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) in Kano over alleged non-remittance of pension deductions and poor staff welfare.
Leading the protest, SSAEAC Deputy President General (North), Comrade Rilwanu Shehu, described the situation as unacceptable, accusing KEDCO management of repeatedly failing to honour past agreements with workers. He alleged that pension deductions totaling more than 90 months had not been remitted, while other entitlements, including performance appraisals, promotions, allowances, and adequate working conditions, were being neglected.
Shehu added that many staff members were working in dilapidated environments without proper tools, undermining both productivity and morale. “We are not asking for new agreements; we are only asking for compliance with existing ones. If pensions are remitted, illegally sacked staff recalled, and welfare issues addressed, we are ready to return to work,” he said.
NUEE Vice President Comrade Ado Gaya stated that the protest followed the breakdown of talks between the unions and KEDCO management after the workers’ ultimatum expired. He accused management of selective promotions, non-payment of the 13th-month allowance, and irregular staff appraisals, adding that pension deductions were being made without remittance to pension fund administrators. “This is not the first time we are here. We protested last year over the same issues. Recent meetings ended in deadlock, leaving us with no option but to protest,” he noted.
Responding, KEDCO management described the protest as related to both legacy and current staff welfare concerns. In a statement signed by Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Bala, the company said it had prioritised staff welfare since the current management assumed office seven months ago. Bala added that over 80 per cent of the agreed 2025 pension remittances had been made, and a transparent promotion exercise recently resulted in the advancement of about 1,500 eligible staff.
KEDCO assured stakeholders that it was engaging relevant parties to resolve the issues and restore industrial harmony.
Protesters barricaded the company’s entrance, displaying placards with messages such as “Remit our 92 months pension deductions to our PFAs,” “Non-implementation of performance appraisal,” “Inadequate staff welfare and poor motivation,” and “Lack of basic working tools and PPE.”
The demonstration has raised concerns over potential power disruptions in KEDCO’s franchise areas, including Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States.