Residents of Kano metropolis and neighbouring areas were plunged into darkness on Wednesday, January 21, after workers of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) commenced an indefinite strike over alleged poor working conditions.
Gossip News Now reports that the strike was jointly declared by the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), following the failure of KEDCO management to meet workers’ demands after an ultimatum expired on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
The industrial action disrupted socio-economic activities across the state, as electricity supply was cut off in Kano and its surrounding communities.
Union members picketed the KEDCO headquarters, barricading entrances and halting official operations.
Speaking during the protest, Rilwan Shehu, Deputy President-General (North) of SSAEAC, said the strike became unavoidable due to management’s failure to honor agreements with workers over the years.
“We are here to lock down 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 conditions. Many matters have been sidelined,” Shehu told journalists, according to The PUNCH.
Similarly, Ado Gaya, Vice President (North-West) of NUEE, accused the management of bias in its recent promotion exercise.
“Just recently, they conducted a promotion exercise. For the past ten or eleven years, some staff have received no promotion. But in their own interests, they are now carrying out selective promotions,” Gaya alleged.
KEDCO Rejects Allegations
KEDCO management quickly denied the claims, insisting that staff welfare has been a priority since the current leadership assumed office.
In a statement released by Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Bala Sani, the company acknowledged that it inherited both legacy and current staff welfare challenges but has taken steps to address them.
“KEDCO wishes to clarify that the recent picketing by SSAEAC and NUEE arose from both legacy and current staff welfare concerns,” the statement read.
The company said that over the past seven months, it implemented a structured welfare programme, particularly in pension remittances.
“Since assuming office, the current management has prioritised staff welfare and entitlements, implementing a structured programme to address outstanding issues, particularly pensions. To date, over 80 per cent of the agreed 2025 pension remittances have been paid,” the statement added.
KEDCO also dismissed claims of selective promotions, stating that the recent exercise was transparent and in line with company policy, promoting 1,500 eligible staff.
Bala Sani said the company was engaging stakeholders to resolve the dispute and restore normal operations.
“The company assures all stakeholders that employee welfare remains a top priority, and all necessary measures are being implemented to restore stability and maintain industrial harmony,” he concluded.
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