For over two days, residents of Kaduna and neighbouring states under the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) have been plunged into darkness following an indefinite strike by electricity workers.
The strike, which began on Monday, is being led by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in protest against the alleged sack of over 900 staff members, non-payment of outstanding pensions, lack of promotions, inadequate work tools, and non-implementation of the 2024 national minimum wage.
The union claims that 900 workers were affected but the management of Kaduna Electric said only 450 employees were issued “services no longer required” letters.
The Kaduna State NUEE Chairman, Comrade Sheyin Nuhu Wakili, insisted on Tuesday that the workers’ entitlements must be paid before any disengagement.
He further revealed that during a meeting with the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday, the management had agreed to withdraw the disengagement letters, but later reneged on the agreement.
The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) also backed the strike, with its Kaduna Branch President, Comrade Baffa Safiyanu Isyaku, saying that electricity cannot be restored in Kaduna.
He said, “I urge citizens to sympathise with their plight. I call on the company to resolve the issue because the workers have families to cater for.”
In response, Kaduna Electric’s Head of Corporate Communication, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, explained that the company was undergoing a comprehensive transformation to ensure long-term sustainability.
The company assured customers that it was committed to transparency and fairness in all dealings, while acknowledging public concerns.
