The Kaduna State Government has called for an urgent resolution to the ongoing electricity workers’ strike that has plunged the state into darkness. Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe made the appeal on Thursday during a meeting at the State Government House with the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KAEDCO) management and leaders of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE).
The strike, which began on January 3, was triggered by the alleged dismissal of 900 staff members by KAEDCO. However, in a January 4 statement, Abdulhazeez Abdullahi, KAEDCO’s spokesperson, clarified that only 450 employees were affected. He cited financial and operational challenges as the reasons for the downsizing, explaining that the company had struggled to meet its market and operational obligations.
Speaking during the meeting, Balarabe expressed deep concern over the three-day power outage, emphasizing its impact on homes, businesses, and security in the state.
“The lack of power supply has badly affected homes and businesses, with attendant security implications,” she said.
The deputy governor urged both parties to maintain open lines of communication even after resolving the current dispute, stressing the importance of dialogue to prevent future occurrences.
Wisdom Nwachukwu, NUEE’s National Vice-President (Distribution), clarified that the union does not oppose downsizing but insisted on adherence to proper procedures, including the full payment of entitlements to affected employees.
He assured the meeting that the union’s leadership would communicate the government’s appeal to NUEE’s national secretariat. Nwachukwu also expressed optimism about a swift resolution.
Umar Hashidu, Managing Director of KAEDCO, defended the dismissal of 444 employees, emphasizing its necessity for the company’s financial sustainability.
“The company will be unable to meet basic obligations like payment of salaries and may ultimately fold up if action is not taken,” Hashidu stated.
He added that both parties would engage in further discussions with a neutral third party to facilitate a resolution.
The Kaduna State Government’s intervention reflects its commitment to mitigating the impact of the strike and restoring normalcy to the state’s electricity supply.
