Kano Govt Fault KEDCO, Urges End to Strike as Blackout Deepens
— says power outage hurting hospitals, businesses, public safety
The Kano State Government has expressed concern over the ongoing industrial dispute at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), warning that the resulting power blackout is inflicting widespread hardship on residents and undermining economic activities across the state.
The State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Engr. Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu, raised the alarm in response to the industrial action by workers of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) at KEDCO.
Dr. Shehu said while the government recognises the legitimacy of workers’ demands on welfare and entitlements, it was deeply disappointed that the dispute had escalated to the disruption of electricity supply to millions of residents, businesses, hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure.
According to him, the blackout has led to significant economic losses, heightened public inconvenience and posed serious risks to public safety, especially in health and security-related facilities.
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 stressed that the government could not remain indifferent when essential services that drive the state’s development are compromised.
He therefore called on KEDCO’s management to urgently honour all resolutions reached during the Fourth Quarter 2025 Consultative Meeting, including agreements on death benefits, exit packages, pension arrears, wage awards, appraisal increments, 13th-month salary, outsourced staff welfare and promotion-related matters.
Dr. Shehu warned that failure to implement these agreements not only erodes trust between management and employees but also threatens the reliability of electricity supply, which remains central to Kano’s economic and social development.
He appealed to the unions to suspend the strike to allow negotiations to continue, while urging KEDCO’s leadership to act responsibly, transparently and in good faith to restore industrial harmony and uninterrupted power supply.
The Commissioner further assured residents that the state government remains committed to protecting their welfare and ensuring the prompt restoration and sustainability of electricity supply.
He also disclosed that the government is preparing for re-investment and electrification partnerships aimed at strengthening power infrastructure and boosting electricity availability in the state.