The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a 7-day ultimatum to the management of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company to return to the negotiation table regarding the ‘service no longer required’ letters given to some affected staff.

The union in a statement issued by its Zonal Organising Secretary 1, North West zone, Ayuba Pukat accused the management of going ahead to serve the affected staff the new letters despite talks between the union and the management.

Recall that on 3rd February, 2025, staff of Kaduna Electric embarked on an indefinite strike over an alleged plan by the management to dismiss over 900 workers among other grievances which left residents of the state in blackout for five days.

The management of the electricity company through its Head, Corporate Communication, Abdulazeez Abdullahi has however clarified that contrary to claims by labour unions that 900 staff members were affected, the company confirmed that ‘services no longer required’ letters were issued to 450 employees.

Weekend Trust further recalls that it took the intervention of Governor Uba Sani for workers to suspend the 5-day strike action after which it was resolved that both the management and the labour union meet together and take a decision on the planned downsising of the workforce, while the management will also halt its earlier decision to sack workers.

But issuing the new ultimatum in a letter addressed to the Managing Director titled: ‘Notice of seven days’ ultimatum for total withdrawal of service in Kaduna electric’, Pukat said, “It is disheartening that Kaduna Electric management do not see reasons to call the union back to the negotiation table to consider the concern raised.”

“We are by this giving Kaduna Electric seven (7) days ultimatum to return back to the negotiation table. Failure to do so will not guarantee industrial peace in the company.” (Weekend Trust)