Electricity supply across Kano metropolis and surrounding areas was disrupted on Wednesday as workers of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company commenced an indefinite strike over alleged poor working conditions and unresolved welfare issues.
The industrial action, led by the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies and the National Union of Electricity Employees followed the expiration of a deadline issued to the company’s management on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Residents and businesses were left without power as union members picketed the KEDCO headquarters, bringing socio-economic activities in parts of the state to a halt.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, the Deputy President-General (North) of SSAEAC, Rilwan Shehu, said workers had exhausted all avenues for dialogue.
“We are here to shut down operations because management has failed to honour several agreements.
Since 2014, we have been battling issues such as non-remittance of pensions, unpaid death benefits, and an unfavourable working environment,” he said.
“Many of these issues have been ignored for years.”
Similarly, the Vice President (North-West) of NUEE, Ado Gaya, accused the company of unfair practices in its recent promotion exercise.
“For 10 or 11 years, you can find staff who have never been promoted. But suddenly, promotions are being carried out selectively to favour certain interests,” Gaya alleged.
In response, KEDCO management dismissed the claims, insisting that it has prioritised staff welfare since the current leadership assumed office.
In a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Bala Sani, the company said it had implemented a structured welfare programme to address both legacy and current staff concerns, particularly pension obligations.
“Since assuming office seven months ago, the management has made staff welfare and entitlements a top priority,” the statement read.
“To date, over 80 per cent of the agreed 2025 pension remittances have been paid.”
The company also maintained that its recent promotion exercise was conducted transparently and in line with established policies.
“A total of 1,500 eligible staff were promoted following a fair and transparent process,” the statement added.
KEDCO said it was engaging relevant stakeholders to resolve the dispute and restore normal operations.
“The company assures all stakeholders that employee welfare remains a priority, and all necessary measures are being taken to restore stability and maintain industrial harmony,” Sani Bala said.
As of the time of filing this report, electricity supply had yet to be restored in Kano, with residents awaiting a resolution between the unions and the company’s management.
