Workers of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) have suspended their ongoing industrial action following the payment of N170 million, after what the company described as productive engagements and concrete resolutions reached by all parties.
The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies and the National Union of Electricity Employees at KEDCO had embarked on an indefinite strike on Wednesday over alleged poor working conditions, following the expiration of a deadline issued to the company on Tuesday, 20 January.
However, KEDCO announced the suspension of the strike in a statement issued on Friday by its Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Sani Bala Sani.
“The management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company wishes to inform the general public, our esteemed customers, and all stakeholders of the suspension of the ongoing industrial action following productive engagements and concrete resolutions reached by all parties,” the statement said.
The company acknowledged the intervention of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Future Energies Africa (FEA), its core investor, and the Kano State Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy in resolving the dispute.
According to KEDCO, addressing inherited issues relating to unpaid pension obligations, employee emoluments, and benefits has been a major focus since FEA emerged as the new core investor after the restructuring exercise. The company said progress is being made and expressed optimism that its current plans would resolve the outstanding issues.
Mr. Sani disclosed that following extensive consultations and negotiations, agreements were reached with the workers, including the settlement of outstanding arrears. He said KEDCO paid N150 million as 13th-month salary arrears and N20 million as appraisal bonuses, dating back to 2019 and 2022 respectively, bringing the total payment to N170 million.
The company also committed to settling the 2025 13th-month salary arrears of N174 million in the February 2026 salary cycle, alongside regular salary payments.
An expanded meeting involving representatives of the NLC Secretariat, electricity labour unions, and the KEDCO board is expected to be convened to address other pending issues described as complex.
“Based on these agreements, the industrial action has been suspended with immediate effect. All parties have committed to a no-victimisation clause, ensuring that no worker or stakeholder shall face reprisals arising from this action,” the statement added.
KEDCO said it is developing enhanced dispute-resolution frameworks to prevent a recurrence of industrial action, noting that normal operations have resumed across all its service areas.
