Joseph Bakare
Workers of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has suspended its industrial action after the payment of outstanding arrears.
The arrears totaled N170 million while the DisCo also committed itself to settle N174 million in 2025 bonus payments during the February 2026 salary cycle.
The move followed what the company described as productive engagements and concrete resolutions reached by all parties involved.
In a press statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Bala Sani, KEDCO said the decision was reached after extensive consultations and negotiations aimed at addressing long-standing employee welfare issues and restoring stability across its operations.
The management acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Bureau of Public Enterprise, Future Energies Africa (FEA), the core investors in KEDCO, and the Kano State Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy for their constructive roles in resolving the impasse.
According to the statement, resolving inherited issues relating to unpaid pension obligations, employee emoluments and benefits has remained a key focus following the restructuring exercise that brought FEA in as the new core investor.
The management noted that it is making progress and anticipates that its current plan and trajectory will fully resolve these inherited challenges.
As part of the agreements reached, KEDCO confirmed that it has paid 13th-month salary (bonus) arrears of One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N150,000,000), alongside appraisal bonus arrears of Twenty Million Naira (N20,000,000) dating back to 2019 and 2022, bringing the total settlement to N170 million.
In addition, the company committed to settling the 2025 13th-month salary arrears (bonus) of N174 million during the February 2026 salary cycle, alongside regular salary payments.
To prevent future disputes and address more complex outstanding matters, the parties also agreed to establish a broader engagement platform.
Part of the statement reads, “An expanded meeting involving representatives from the NLC Secretariat, the Electricity Labour Unions, and the Board of KEDCO will be convened to address other pending complex issues. This collaborative approach ensures lasting solutions that serve the interests of all parties.”
Following these agreements, the Company confirmed that the strike had been called off with immediate effect and emphasised that all sides accepted a protection clause for workers.
The management said, “Based on these agreements, the industrial action has been suspended with immediate effect. All parties have committed to a no-victimization clause, ensuring that no worker or stakeholder shall face reprisals arising from this action.”
KEDCO also expressed appreciation to customers for their patience during the disruption, noting that new mechanisms are being developed to avoid a recurrence.
The Company also stated, “KEDCO Management appreciates its customers’ understanding and patience during this period. Enhanced resolution frameworks are being developed to ensure no recurrence of this type of action happens under our watch.”
It assured customers that electricity supply operations have normalised across its franchise areas, adding that efforts are ongoing to improve overall service delivery.
“We assure our customers of our continued dedication to providing a reliable and efficient electricity supply. We remain committed to improving service delivery, maintaining harmonious labor relations, and ensuring sustainable operations that benefit all stakeholders,” the DisCo added