The management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company says its workers have suspended the ongoing industrial action following what it called productive engagements and concrete resolutions reached by all parties.
PUNCH Online reports that the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies and the National Union of Electricity Employees at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company commenced an indefinite strike on Wednesday over alleged poor working conditions.
The strike followed the alleged failure of the company’s management to meet workers’ demands after the expiration of a deadline on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Following the commencement of the strike, Kano metropolis and its environs were thrown into darkness, while socio-economic activities were disrupted.
However, KEDCO, in a statement by its Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Bala Sani, on Friday, said, “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.
“We particularly would like to highlight the efforts of the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Bureau of Public Enterprise, Future Energies Africa (the Core Investors in KEDCO) and the Kano State Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy for the constructive efforts towards resolving the impasse.”
The DisCo said that resolving inherited issues of unpaid pension obligations, employee emoluments and benefits has been a key focus of the company after the restructuring exercise that had FEA emerge as the new core investor.
According to Sani, the company is making progress and anticipates that its current plan and trajectory will resolve “these inherited issues”.
Following extensive consultations and negotiations, he said some agreements have been reached with the workers.
For the settlement of outstanding arrears, it was stated that KEDCO has paid the 13th-month salary arrears of N150m and appraisal bonus of N20m, dating back to 2019 and 2022, respectively, totalling N170m.
This, the company said, demonstrates management’s commitment to honouring its obligations to the workforce.
The statement added further, “The company has committed to settling the 2025 13th-month salary arrears of N174m in the February 2026 salary cycle, alongside regular salary payments.
“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.
“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.”
KEDCO management appreciated its customers’ understanding and patience during the period.
The management stated that enhanced resolution frameworks are being developed to ensure no recurrence of such industrial action happens under its watch.
“With the suspension of the industrial action, normal operations have resumed across all our service areas. 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 stakeholder,” the statement concluded.
