The Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (Kaduna Electric) has laid off 900 employees, as affected workers, saying their net benefits will be paid into their accounts later and pension will come “in due course”.
Kaduna Electric in a letter to the staff on January 31, 2025, announced that the services of the staff members were no longer required.
The letter signed Deputy Managing Director of the KADECO, Abubakar Mohammed, directed the workers to hand over the company’s property in their possession to the human resources department immediately.
It learnt that the sacking comes amid a Monthly Performance Review meeting chaired by Dr. Umar Abubakar Hashidu, Managing Director and CEO of Kaduna Electric and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alhaji Aminu Abubakar Suleiman.
Others in attendance include a board member and Chairman, HR Committee, Ibrahim Musa Umar.
Suleiman was a Peoples Democratic Party aspirant for Kogi East senatorial district but was disqualified by the party over various acts of misconduct
According to the company, the workers’ net benefit will be credited to their account while their pension will be paid to your retirement savings account with their Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) in due course.
The statement read, “We refer to your offer of employment and write to inform you that your services will no longer be required by the company, effective January 31, 2025.
“This decision was not made lightly and reflects our commitment to adapting our operations to meet current challenges. Please find below the summary of your benefits and outstanding obligations.
“Details of Benefits/Obligations, 13th Month Pay (2024): Credit N49,448.11.
“9 Months Basic Salary: Credit N445,033.07.
“Total Net Benefit: N494,481.18.”
Meanwhile, the outstanding Liability (Pension) is N1,225,164.63, while the total benefit is N1,719,645.83.
“Kindly note that the sum of N494,481.19 will be credited to your account accordingly. Your accrued pension will be paid to your retirement savings account with your PFA in due course.
Upon receipt of this letter, you are expected to return all company property including work tools and your staff identification card to the Human Resources Department without delay.
“We appreciate your contributions to Kaduna Electric and wish you success in your future endeavors,” the statement added.
KADECO staff embarks on strike
Meanwhile, staff members of KADECO have embarked on an indefinite strike over an alleged plan by the management to dismiss over 900 workers among other grievances.
The aggrieved workers who carried placards with various inscriptions on Monday, blocked the entrance of the corporate headquarters of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company and prevented workers and even customers from going into the premises.
The aggrieved workers under the umbrella of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) accused the management of high-handedness and fragrant disregard for all industrial agreements.
The North West zonal organising secretary of NUEE, Barde listed some of their grievances including the failure of the management to provide exit benefits to employees that resigned or retired five years ago, and the plan to sack 900 staff, which he said must be resisted by the union.
Other issues raised by the striking workers include nonpayment of five-year outstanding pensions to retirees, non-implementation of the national minimum wage, lack of promotion for deserving employees, and inadequate provision of necessary work tools.
