Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has steadily grown into becoming a great place
to work. Through deliberate and intentional efforts embodied by policies and system
optimization, it is attracting and retaining great talents, while seeing new levels of performance
output. It’s been one great success story in elevating a workplace for sustained optimum
performance!
EKEDC has witnessed some marked changes in staff remuneration and incentivization, as well
as training and capacity development. The strategy has been to create a continuous upward
mobility track where employees become better as they stay on the job, while making sure they
receive their due reward for performance.
The emergence of Dr Tinuade Sanda as the MD/CEO of the company last year marked a
defining moment for the company’s culture regarding staff welfare and performance
incentivization. Under her watch, EKEDC has witnessed massive changes with regards to
remuneration, incentives, working environment, and capacity development.
In May last year, there was a 25% salary increase across board for staff. This was followed by
the promotion of over 1000 staff, and payment of performance bonuses in October. These
efforts shot staff enthusiasm and commitment through the roof, manifesting in unprecedented
performance levels for staff and the organization. While staff clocked in more hours and
delivered more projects, the company registered its highest collection ever over a one-year
period.
To further demonstrate its commitment to staff and appreciation of their efforts, the
Management under Dr Sanda launched the first-ever award of excellence for staff, tagged,
Awards for Corporate Excellence (ACE). It was held in February of this year. It featured over
100 awardees who were honoured and rewarded with substantial cash gifts. The ACE event is a
model that is sure to inspire other organizations as they seek innovative and impactful ways to
incentivize their staff.
In March of this year, EKEDC witnessed yet another addition to its conducive working
environment. It saw the opening of Nursing pods for nursing mother staff. This was very well
received by the staff, especially female staff and nursing mothers. It signaled a commitment to
inclusion and enhancement of the working conditions of those with peculiar needs. It was a bold
statement on EKEDC’s embrace of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
To cap off a splendid March for the women of EKEDC, Dr Sanda celebrated International
Women’s Day with female staff with a movie date. It was a great opportunity for bonding,
healthy engagement and meaningful interaction. It was a true celebration of the power of
women working together.
What has been significant about the culture of EKEDC under Dr Sanda has been the inclusion
of staff in policy formulation and decision-making. The views and insights of staff have been
received and included in the decision-making process, giving them a sense of belonging and
ownership. At EKEDC, there are no outsiders, no bystanders; it is one big family of valued and
respected contributors. This has been the secret to its vibrant and robust work culture.
It is gratifying to know that all these efforts have not gone unrecognized. Only a few days ago in
April, EKEDC was recognized as one of the best 25 companies to work in in Nigeria by
LinkedIn, ranking within the top 10.
In its ranking, LinkedIn— American professional social networking platform— recognized
EKEDC alongside EY (Ernst & Young), Interswitch Limited, Nestle, Standard Chartered Bank,
ExxonMobil, among other notable brands.
Its methodology included components like how employees are advancing both within a
company and when they leave, how they’re upskilling while employed there, supportive culture
in place, variety of educational attainments of employees, attrition and layoff rates.
EKEDC, speaking through the GM, Corporate Communications and Strategy, Babatunde Lasaki
while responding to this development, made it clear that even though it was proud that the
company was “one of the ‘Stellar 25’ from a sea of companies in Nigeria”, it would not rest on it
oars “until we become and remain number one”. This is a message that embodies relentless
commitment to excellence. It is how winners stay ahead!
