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Workers at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), under the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), have commenced an indefinite strike over alleged poor working conditions.
The industrial action began on Wednesday after the company’s management failed to meet workers’ demands following the expiration of a deadline set for January 20, 2026. As a result, large parts of Kano and the surrounding areas were plunged into darkness, disrupting socio-economic activities.
Speaking to journalists after workers picketed KEDCO’s headquarters, the Deputy President-General (North) of SSAEAC, Rilwan Shehu, said the strike was prompted by unresolved issues dating back several years.
He said workers had repeatedly raised concerns over pension remittances, death benefits and what he described as an unfavourable working environment, noting that many of the agreed resolutions had not been implemented.
Similarly, the Vice President (North-West) of NUEE, Ado Gaya, accused the company’s management of unfair practices in recent promotion exercises. He alleged that some employees had gone more than a decade without promotion, while recent exercises were carried out selectively to favour certain interests.
In response, KEDCO management rejected the allegations, insisting that staff welfare had been a priority since the current leadership assumed office seven months ago.
In a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Bala Sani, the company said it had introduced a structured welfare programme to address both legacy and current staff issues, particularly pension obligations.
The statement said more than 80 percent of the agreed 2025 pension remittances had already been paid, adding that a transparent promotion exercise conducted in line with company policy led to the promotion of about 1,500 eligible staff.
KEDCO said it was engaging relevant stakeholders to resolve the dispute and restore industrial harmony, assuring the public that efforts were ongoing to stabilise operations and address workers’ concerns.
