The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies and the National Union of Electricity Employees at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company have commenced an indefinite strike over poor working conditions.
The strike which began on Wednesday followed the failure of the company’s management to meet the workers demands after the expiration of the deadline on Tuesday, 20th January 2026.
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Following the commencement of the strike, the entire ancient city and its environs have been thrown into total darkness while socio-economic activities have also been crippled.
Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday shortly after picketing the KEDCO Head office, the Deputy President General (North) of SSAEAC, Rilwan Shehu lamented the lingering dispute between the workers and management of the company.
“We are here to lockdown activities because they failed to comply with so many agreements. Since 2014, we have struggled with issues ranging from non-remittance of pensions to settlement of death benefits and poor working environment. Many things are being sidelined,” he said.
Also speaking, the Vice President (Northwest) of NUEE, Ado Gaya accused KEDCO management of bias in recent staff upgrades.
“Just recently they did a promotional exercise. For the past ten or eleven years, you can find staff here without any promotion. But in their own personal interest, they are now doing selective promotions,” Gaya alleged.
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However, in a swift reaction through a statement on Wednesday by the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Bala Sani, the management denied the workers claims, saying since assuming office seven months ago, the current Management has prioritized staff welfare and entitlements, implementing a structured welfare programme to address outstanding issues, particularly staff pensions.
“To date, over 80 percent of the agreed 2025 pension remittances have been paid,” the statement said.
According to the statement, a transparent promotion exercise was recently conducted in line with the company policy, resulting in the promotion of 1,500 eligible staff.
“KEDCO wishes to clarify that the recent picketing of its offices by the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) arose from legacy and current staff welfare concerns.
“Since assuming office seven months ago, the current Management has prioritized staff welfare and entitlements, implementing a structured welfare programme to address outstanding issues, particularly staff pensions. To date, over 80% of the agreed 2025 pension remittances have been paid,” Bala Sani said.
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He explained that KEDCO Management is actively engaging relevant stakeholders to resolve the issues and achieve lasting solutions.
“The company assures all stakeholders that employee welfare remains a top priority and that all necessary measures are being implemented to restore stability and maintain industrial harmony,” Bala Sani added.
