The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the management of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, demanding that the company return to the negotiation table the controversial dismissal of staff. The union’s statement comes after a series of developments that have sparked tension between the employees and the management, culminating in a strike and growing concerns over job security for workers.
In a statement released by the Zonal Organising regarding Secretary 1 of the NUEE North West zone, Ayuba Pukat, the union accused the management of ignoring earlier discussions with the union and moving ahead with issuing “service no longer required” letters to affected staff. These letters were given to employees despite ongoing negotiations, which Pukat claims is a breach of the trust between the union and the management.
The union has demanded that the company reverse its decision to terminate the workers and engage in meaningful dialogue. The seven-day deadline has been set, with the union warning that failure to meet it could lead to further industrial unrest and another round of strike actions.
The latest round of tension between the workers and the management of Kaduna Electric has been brewing for some time. On February 3, 2025, employees of the company launched an indefinite strike to protest what they described as an attempt by the management to dismiss over 900 staff members. The strike caused widespread disruption, leaving many residents in Kaduna State without power for five days.
The company, however, has since clarified that only 450 employees were affected by the downsizing, not the 900 that had been previously reported by the unions. Abdulazeez Abdullahi, the Head of Corporate Communications at Kaduna Electric, stated that the management had issued “service no longer required” letters to these 450 employees as part of an organisational restructuring process.
“We are committed to ensuring that our services remain efficient and that our workforce is adequately equipped to meet the demands of the business. While we understand the concerns of our employees, the decision to reduce staff was made after careful consideration,” Abdullahi explained.
The strike came to an end after the intervention of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who stepped in to mediate between the company and the union. His involvement was crucial in bringing the two parties together, which led to the temporary suspension of the five-day strike. Following this, it was agreed that both the union and the company would meet to discuss the matter further.
Governor Sani’s efforts were seen as vital in preventing a prolonged blackout in the state. The resolution that followed included a commitment to halting any further dismissals while the negotiations were ongoing. However, despite these assurances, the issuance of dismissal letters to affected workers continued, which has led to renewed frustration from the union.
In the letter issued on February 22, 2025, Ayuba Pukat, representing the NUEE, expressed the union’s disappointment with the actions of the Kaduna Electric management. “It is disheartening that Kaduna Electric management does not see reasons to call the union back to the negotiation table to consider the concerns raised by the workers,” Pukat said.
The union’s ultimatum gives the company seven days to return to negotiations. Failure to do so, according to the NUEE, would jeopardise industrial peace within the company, suggesting the possibility of renewed strikes and unrest. The letter, titled “Notice of Seven Days Ultimatum for Total Withdrawal of Service in Kaduna Electric,” demands immediate action from the management.
Pukat further stated, “We are by this giving Kaduna Electric seven (7) days ultimatum to return back to the negotiation table. Failure to do so will not guarantee industrial peace in the company.”
The management of Kaduna Electric will now face an important decision. Will they return to the negotiation table to resolve the dispute, or will they stand by their decision to proceed with staff cuts? The next few days are crucial for the company, as the union’s ultimatum draws closer and the threat of another strike looms.
