Electricity workers under the aegis of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) on Wednesday picketed the headquarters of the Kano Electricity Distribution Plc (KEDCO) in Kano over alleged non-remittance of pension deductions and poor staff welfare.
The protesters barricaded the company's entrance gate, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with inscriptions such as "Remit our 92 months pension deductions to our PFAs," "Non-implementation of performance appraisal," "Inadequate staff welfare and poor motivation," and "Lack of basic working tools and PPE."
Addressing the workers, the Deputy President General (North) of SSAEAC, Comrade Rilwanu Shehu, described the situation as unacceptable, accusing the management of KEDCO of failing to honour several agreements reached with workers over the years.
Shehu alleged that pension deductions spanning more than 90 months had not been remitted to pension fund administrators, while other entitlements including performance appraisals, promotions, allowances and conducive working conditions were being neglected.
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According to him, many workers operate in poor and dilapidated environments without adequate tools and personal protective equipment, a development he said was undermining productivity and staff morale.
"We are not asking for new agreements. We are only demanding compliance with existing ones. If pensions are remitted, illegally sacked staff recalled and welfare issues addressed, we are ready to return to work," he said.
Also speaking, the Vice President of NUEE, Comrade Ado Gaya, said the protest followed the collapse of negotiations between the unions and KEDCO management after an ultimatum issued by the workers expired.
Gaya accused the management of selective promotions, non-payment of the 13th month allowance and irregular implementation of staff appraisals, adding that pension deductions were being made without remittance.
"This is not the first time we are protesting these issues. We did so last year over the same grievances. Recent meetings ended in deadlock, leaving us with no option but to picket," he said.
Reacting, KEDCO management said the protest was linked to both legacy and current staff welfare concerns.
In a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Bala, the company said it had prioritised staff welfare since the current management assumed office about seven months ago.
The statement claimed that over 80 per cent of the agreed 2025 pension remittances had been paid, while a recent promotion exercise led to the elevation of about 1,500 eligible staff.
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KEDCO assured workers and other stakeholders that it was engaging relevant parties to resolve the issues and restore industrial harmony within the company.
