Kaduna DisCo says only 450 workers are sacked as strike paralyses businesses in its franchise states

The Kaduna Electric Distribution Company KEDCO has reacted to the ongoing industrial action that has thrown states within its franchise into darkness.
The company’s chapter of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) had on Monday embarked on an industrial action following alleged sacking of 900 workers.
The management of the company in a statement on Tuesday night, signed by  Abdulhazeez Abdullahi, spokesperson of the company, said the decision to downsize the workforce, was made in response to significant operational and financial challenges that have hindered the company’s ability to meet its market and operational obligations.
The statement maintained that, contrary to reports that 900 workers were sacked, 450 employees were relieved of their jobs.
Abdullahi said the “management has initiated a comprehensive transformation exercise to ensure the company’s long-term sustainability.
“Contrary to claims by labour unions that 900 staff members were affected, the company confirms that ‘services no longer required’ letters were issued to 450 employees.
“This decision was made in response to significant operational and financial challenges that have hindered the company’s ability to meet its market & operational obligations,” the statement said.
Abdullahi added that, “The restructuring, though difficult, is described as a necessary step to align the company with current market realities and create a more efficient workforce.
“Management emphasized that this right-sizing initiative alongside capital investment are crucial for implementing impactful measures to improve operations and ensure sustainability.”
The company expressed regrets over power outage in the last 24 hours, assuring its customers that efforts were being made to amicably resolve the issues with the labour union with a view to restore electricity supply.
“Kaduna Electric expressed regret over the prolonged power outage caused by the industrial action, which lasted over 24 hours to some of our customers across our franchise.
“The company remains committed to resolving labor disputes amicably and restoring normal operations as quickly as possible.
“Management also thanked security agencies for their support during the industrial action, ensuring the safety of personnel and facilities during this challenging period.
“Kaduna Electric reassured its customers of its dedication to providing reliable power supply and apologized for the inconvenience caused by the outage.
The company remains focused on overcoming its current challenges and emerging stronger to better serve its customers and stakeholders”‘, the statement said.
Meanwhile, business activities have been paralysed in Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara following the strike by electricity workers.
Residents have been thrown into difficulties with some of them suffering losses as perishable foodstuffs rotted away.