Electricity workers protest at KEDCO HQ over unpaid pensions, poor staff welfare

Electricity workers under the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) staged a protest at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) headquarters over alleged unpaid pension deductions and inadequate staff welfare.

The workers barricaded the company’s entrance, carrying placards demanding the remittance of “92 months pension deductions,” implementation of performance appraisals, improved welfare, and provision of basic working tools and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Addressing the crowd, SSAEAC Deputy President General (North), Comrade Rilwanu Shehu, described the situation as “abnormal,” accusing KEDCO management of failing to honor several agreements with employees.

Shehu claimed that pension deductions spanning over 90 months had not been remitted to pension fund administrators. He also highlighted neglected staff entitlements, including promotions, allowances, performance appraisals, and conducive working conditions.

“Many of our members work in dilapidated environments without adequate tools or PPE, which affects productivity and morale,” Shehu said. “We are not asking for new agreements, only compliance with existing ones. If pensions are remitted, sacked staff recalled, and welfare issues addressed, we are ready to return to work.”

Similarly, NUEE Vice President, Comrade Ado Gaya, explained that the protest came after talks with management broke down following the expiration of a workers’ ultimatum. He accused KEDCO of selective promotions, non-payment of the 13th-month allowance, irregular staff appraisals, and non-remittance of pension deductions.

“This is not the first time we are protesting. Last year, we raised the same concerns. Recent meetings ended in deadlock, leaving us no choice but to demonstrate,” Gaya said.

Responding, KEDCO management acknowledged that the protest related to both legacy and current staff welfare issues. In a statement signed by Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Bala, the company said staff welfare had been a priority since the current management took office seven months ago.

Bala noted that over 80% of the 2025 pension remittances had been paid and that about 1,500 eligible staff were promoted through a recent transparent exercise. The company assured that it was engaging stakeholders to resolve the disputes and restore industrial harmony.