Kaduna Electric has confirmed the dismissal of 450 employees, a decision that has triggered an industrial action and left many customers without power.
In a statement on Tuesday, the electricity distribution company explained that the layoffs were necessitated by serious operational and financial difficulties that have affected its ability to meet market and operational obligations.
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) had on Monday begun a strike, demanding that Kaduna Electric rescind what it claimed were the disengagement letters of *900* workers.
However, the Chairman of NUEE’s Kaduna State Council, Comrade Sheyin Wakili, clarified that the union was not opposing the job cuts outright but was protesting the way they were carried out without settling the affected workers’ entitlements.
“We are not against the management’s decision to disengage staff, but we reject the failure to fulfil legal obligations. The conditions of service stipulate that disengaged staff must receive their full entitlements, which the management has refused to pay,” Wakili said.
In response, Kaduna Electric released a statement refuting the union’s claim of 900 affected workers, confirming instead that 450 employees were laid off.
“The company acknowledges public concerns and seeks to provide accurate information regarding these developments. Kaduna Electric’s management has initiated a comprehensive transformation exercise to ensure the company’s long-term sustainability.
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“Contrary to claims by labour unions that 900 staff members were affected, the company confirms that ‘Services No Longer Required’ letters were issued to 450 employees. This decision was made in response to significant operational and financial challenges that have hindered the company’s ability to meet its market and operational obligations,” the statement read.
The company maintained that the restructuring was necessary to align with current market realities and build a more efficient workforce. It added that workforce reduction, coupled with capital investment, was crucial to improving operations and ensuring the company’s sustainability.
Kaduna Electric also expressed regret over the power outages caused by the strike and assured customers that it was working to resolve the situation.
“Kaduna Electric expressed regret over the prolonged power outage caused by the industrial action, which lasted over 24 hours to some of our customers across our franchise. The company remains committed to resolving labour disputes amicably and restoring normal operations as quickly as possible.
“Management also thanked security agencies for their support during the industrial action, ensuring the safety of personnel and facilities during this challenging period,” the statement added.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to providing reliable electricity supply, apologizing to customers for the inconvenience caused by the outages. It assured stakeholders that it remains focused on overcoming its current challenges and emerging stronger.
Kaduna Electric’s distribution network covers Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.
