Kaduna Electric Terminates 900 Workers, Triggers Indefinite Strike

Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (Kaduna Electric) has dismissed 900 employees, sparking protests and an indefinite strike by the affected workers.

In a statement released on January 31, 2025, the company announced that the services of the affected staff were no longer required, citing the need to adapt its operations to current challenges.

Kaduna Electric assured the workers that their net benefits would be credited to their accounts, while pension entitlements would be processed “in due course.” However, some affected employees have alleged that only 10% of their expected benefits have been paid so far.

“Kaduna Electric has sacked 900 staff members and paid only 10% of supposed benefits. An indefinite strike has been declared,” a source within the company told SaharaReporters.

The mass layoff occurred during a Monthly Performance Review meeting chaired by Dr. Umar Abubakar Hashidu, the Managing Director and CEO of Kaduna Electric, along with the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alhaji Aminu Abubakar Suleiman. Also in attendance was Ibrahim Musa Umar, a board member and Chairman of the HR Committee.

In the termination letters issued to affected workers, Kaduna Electric outlined their benefits and outstanding liabilities. Each dismissed worker is entitled to a 13th-month salary for 2024 and nine months’ basic salary, totaling ₦494,481.18 in net benefits. However, the company noted that an outstanding pension liability of ₦1,225,164.63 per worker would be processed later through their Pension Fund Administrator (PFA).

The statement further directed employees to return all company property, including work tools and staff identification cards, to the Human Resources Department.

“We appreciate your contributions to Kaduna Electric and wish you success in your future endeavors,” the company stated.

The mass termination has sparked unrest among the affected workers, who have vowed to continue their strike until their full entitlements are paid.