JUST IN; Electricity workers begin indefinite strike, provide reasons
JUST IN; Electricity workers begin indefinite strike, provide reasons
Electricity workers in Katsina State have launched an indefinite strike over the alleged non-payment of pension entitlements that have remained outstanding for more than eight years.
The industrial action, spearheaded by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), officially commenced on Wednesday and involves staff of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), which supplies power to Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states.
Speaking with a local newspaper, NUEE’s Northwest Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Sani Muhammad Ahmad, confirmed that union members sealed off KEDCO’s branch office on Kano Road in Katsina in protest, following repeated but unsuccessful negotiations with the company.
He described the shutdown as a necessary response to years of neglect, alleging that the company had consistently failed to remit workers’ pension contributions despite having the capacity to do so.
“Our members are being owed over 100 months of pension deductions. We’ve tried dialogue at every level, but nothing has changed. This indefinite strike is our last resort,” he said while locking the office premises.
Comrade Sani accused KEDCO of intentionally withholding workers’ pension contributions despite being in a position to make the payments. He insisted the strike would continue until all outstanding entitlements are cleared.
“We’re not asking for charity —just what we’ve earned. Many of our members are struggling to survive while their pensions are being held back,” he said, urging residents to show understanding and solidarity.
The strike is expected to significantly disrupt electricity supply in parts of Katsina and other affected states, with union members vowing to sustain the action until their demands are met.
