“Kaduna in Darkness: Electricity Workers’ Strike Grips the Region”
ckFor over two days, the residents of Kaduna and neighboring states under the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) have found themselves without power, as an indefinite strike led by electricity workers has paralyzed the region.
The strike, initiated on Monday by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), is in response to several grievances, including the dismissal of more than 900 staff members, non-payment of pensions, lack of promotions, inadequate working tools, and the failure to implement the 2024 national minimum wage. The union claims that over 900 employees have been affected, while the management of Kaduna Electric insists that only 450 workers received “services no longer required” notices.
Comrade Sheyin Nuhu Wakili, the Kaduna State NUEE Chairman, made it clear that the workers’ entitlements must be paid before any disengagement could be considered. He added that despite an earlier agreement with the Department of State Services (DSS) to withdraw the disengagement letters, the management later backtracked on this promise.
Power Outage Crisis: Over 900 Workers Protest Unfair Treatment
The strike has gathered widespread attention as it continues to disrupt the lives of residents in Kaduna. Comrade Baffa Safiyanu Isyaku, the President of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) in Kaduna, voiced strong support for the action. He urged citizens to sympathize with the workers’ plight, emphasizing that the ongoing blackout would persist until the dispute is resolved. “The workers have families to take care of,” Isyaku explained, underlining the urgency for the management to address the workers’ concerns.
The situation has left residents frustrated, as the blackout continues to disrupt daily life, with businesses, schools, and hospitals all feeling the impact of the ongoing strike.
Strike Sparks Controversy: Kaduna Electric Faces Backlash Over Staff Layoffs
In the face of mounting pressure, Kaduna Electric’s Head of Corporate Communication, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, responded, claiming that the company is undergoing a process of transformation aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability. Abdullahi reiterated the company’s commitment to transparency and fairness, acknowledging the concerns raised by the public, but also asserting that these steps are necessary for the future viability of the organization.
While the company has promised to address the situation, the strike continues, with no clear resolution in sight. The dispute has left many questioning the management’s commitment to its workforce and its ability to handle such crises in the future.
Electricity Workers Demand Justice: A Deepening Crisis in Kaduna
As the strike lingers on, the situation remains tense. Both parties seem to be entrenched in their positions, with the workers demanding fair treatment, payment of dues, and the reinstatement of laid-off colleagues, while the management seeks to implement its transformation plans.
The strike has not only left homes and businesses in darkness but also sparked a wider debate on labor rights, company management, and the state of the country’s essential services. As the crisis deepens, it remains to be seen how this standoff will unfold and what long-term impacts it will have on the region’s energy infrastructure.
