Socio-economic activities in Kano have been severely disrupted following an indefinite strike by the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies and the National Union of Electricity Employees at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company.
The industrial action is over alleged poor working conditions and unpaid arrears. The strike commenced after the expiration of a Tuesday, January 20, 2026, deadline issued to KEDCO management.
Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday outside the KEDCO Head Office, the Deputy President General (North) of SSAEAC, Rilwan Shehu, lamented the lingering dispute between workers and management.
“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 a poor working environment. Many things are being sidelined,” he said.
Also speaking, Vice President (Northwest) of NUEE, Ado Gaya, accused management of bias in recent staff promotions. “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 promotion,” Gaya alleged.
In response, KEDCO management denied the workers’ claims, stating that since taking office seven months ago, the current administration has prioritised staff welfare and entitlements through a structured programme addressing outstanding issues, particularly staff pensions. To date, over 80 per cent of the agreed 2025 pension remittances have been paid.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Bala Sani, KEDCO said, “KEDCO wishes to clarify that the recent picketing of its offices by the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies and the National Union of Electricity Employees 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 per cent of the agreed 2025 pension remittances have been paid.”
Sani also noted that a transparent promotion exercise was recently conducted in line with company policy, resulting in the promotion of 1,500 eligible staff. He added, “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.”
KEDCO management stated that it is actively engaging relevant stakeholders to resolve the issues and achieve lasting solutions for the benefit of both employees and the broader community.
