Writing By Khadijah Aliyu: Editing By Godwin Duru
Kano State Government has expressed deep concern and disappointment over the recent actions of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) following the industrial action embarked upon by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC).
The State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu, made this known while reacting to the ongoing strike at KEDCO in Kano State.
Dr. Shehu acknowledged that while the government recognises the legitimate concerns of workers regarding staff welfare, it is deeply dismayed that the dispute has escalated to a level where electricity supply to millions of residents, businesses, hospitals, schools, and other critical infrastructure across the state has been severely disrupted.
He noted that the resulting blackout has caused significant hardship, economic losses, and poses a threat to public safety.
The Commissioner clarified that the Kano State Government is not a party to the collective bargaining agreement between KEDCO management and its unions.
However, he called on the leadership of KEDCO to urgently honour all mutually agreed resolutions reached during the 4th Quarter 2025 Consultative Meeting.
These include issues relating to death benefits, exit packages, pension arrears, wage awards, appraisal increments, 13th-month salary, outsourced staff welfare, and promotion-related matters.
According to him, failure to fulfil these commitments not only erodes trust between management and employees but also undermines the reliability of electricity services, which are critical to the state’s development agenda.
Dr. Gaddafi appealed to the unions to suspend the strike while negotiations continue, and urged KEDCO management to act responsibly and transparently in the interest of industrial harmony and uninterrupted service delivery.
He further disclosed that the Kano State Government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens and ensuring that electricity—an essential driver of economic growth and quality of life—is promptly restored and sustainably maintained.
The Commissioner also revealed that the state government is making preparations for re-investment and electrification partnerships aimed at boosting electricity supply across Kano State.
Rel/Khadijah Aliyu
