Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina residents face widespread blackouts after electricity workers shut down operations at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) headquarters and key facilities.
The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) commenced an indefinite strike on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, following the expiry of a 24-hour ultimatum issued to KEDCO management on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Workers picketed and locked the company’s headquarters in Kano, halting operations and triggering immediate power outages across Kano metropolis and surrounding areas.
Union leaders cited long-standing grievances, including the non-remittance of pension deductions spanning over 90–92 months to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), unpaid death benefits, unsettled allowances and arrears.
Lack of performance appraisals, unfair and selective promotions (with some staff denied advancements for 10–11 years), poor working conditions, inadequate tools and personal protective equipment (PPE), and the recall of allegedly illegally sacked staff.
“We are not asking for new agreements; we are only asking for compliance with existing ones. If pensions are remitted, illegally sacked staff recalled, and welfare issues addressed, we are ready to return to work,” said Comrade Rilwanu Shehu, Deputy President-General (North) of SSAEAC.
Comrade Ado Gaya, Vice President (North-West) of NUEE, added: “This is not the first time we are here. We protested last year over the same issues. Meetings held recently ended in deadlock, leaving us with no option but to protest.”
The strike has disrupted electricity supply to millions of households and businesses in KEDCO’s franchise area covering Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states, with socio-economic activities grinding to a halt in Kano metropolis. Residents have been advised to prepare for prolonged outages as technical staff have abandoned stations and gates remain locked.
In response, KEDCO management, led by Managing Director/CEO Dr. Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta (who assumed office approximately seven months ago following the company’s takeover by Future Energy Africa in 2025), described the strike as “morally wrong” and accused the unions of endangering public welfare by plunging millions into darkness for internal disputes.
The company stated that it has prioritized staff welfare, paying over 80% of agreed 2025 pension remittances, conducting a transparent promotion exercise that benefited about 1,500 eligible staff, settling significant legacy payments (including 15 out of 19 months of certain arrears), and implementing performance appraisals with N510 million allocated for related obligations.
Management has been engaging unions and stakeholders to resolve legacy issues dating back to privatization in 2013.
“KEDCO wishes to clarify that the recent picketing… arose from legacy and current staff welfare concerns. Since assuming office seven months ago, the current management has prioritised staff welfare and entitlements… 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,” said Sani Bala Sani, KEDCO Head of Corporate Communications.
No immediate resolution has been announced, and the strike continues indefinitely. Authorities and stakeholders are urged to facilitate dialogue to restore power supply and minimize hardship on residents and businesses.