From Femi Mustapha and Divine Macaulay, in Kaduna
The management of the Kaduna Electric has faulted the industrial action by its members of staff under the National Union Of Electricity Employees (NUEE), which has shut down the power supply to some of its franchise Areas, including the Kaduna metropolis.
A statement by Kaduna Electric management on Tuesday, the second day of the strike, said that the union is hiding truth about the dispute.
“Kaduna Electric has released a statement to address the ongoing industrial action and recent staff restructuring, aiming to clarify the situation amidst widespread speculation and misinformation. The company acknowledges public concerns and seeks to provide accurate information regarding these developments.
“Kaduna Electric’s 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 restructuring, though difficult, is described as a necessary step to align the company with current market realities and create a more efficient workforce,” it said.
According to the statement, the management emphasized that this right-sizing initiative, alongside capital investment, is crucial for implementing impactful measures to improve operations and ensure sustainability.
The 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.
The Management also thanked security agencies for their support during the industrial action, ensuring the safety of personnel and facilities during this challenging period.
The company reassured its customers of its dedication to providing a reliable power supply and apologized for the inconvenience caused by the outage.
The company said it remains focused on overcoming its current challenges and emerging stronger to better serve its customers and stakeholders.
