By Ediri Ejoh

The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has officially suspended the ongoing industrial action by its workers following successful negotiations and concrete agreements with labour unions.

In a press statement released on January 23, 2026, and signed by Head of Corporate Communications Sani Bala Sani, KEDCO management announced the immediate resumption of normal operations across its service areas in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states.

The resolution came after productive engagements involving the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Bureau of Public Enterprises, core investors Future Energies Africa (FEA), and the Kano State Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy.

KEDCO highlighted progress in addressing inherited challenges from the company’s restructuring, particularly unpaid pension obligations, employee emoluments, and benefits.

Key terms of the agreement include:

• Immediate payment of outstanding arrears totaling ₦170 million, comprising ₦150 million in 13th-month salary (bonus) arrears from 2019 and ₦20 million in appraisal bonus from 2022.
• Commitment to settle the 2025 13th-month salary arrears amounting to ₦174 million within the February 2026 salary cycle, alongside regular salary payments.
• Establishment of an expanded dialogue framework involving representatives from the NLC Secretariat, electricity labour unions, and KEDCO’s Board to resolve remaining complex issues collaboratively.

All parties agreed to a no-victimization clause, ensuring no reprisals against workers or stakeholders involved in the action.

KEDCO management expressed appreciation for customers’ patience during the disruption and assured enhanced frameworks to prevent future occurrences.

“We remain committed to improving service delivery, maintaining harmonious labour relations, and ensuring sustainable operations that benefit all stakeholders,” the statement read.

Normal electricity supply has resumed, with the company pledging continued dedication to reliable and efficient service across its network. The development marks a positive step toward stabilizing operations at one of northern Nigeria’s key electricity distributors following recent tensions over unpaid entitlements.