The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has accused the Electricity Workers Union of plunging millions of residents into darkness following the shutdown of power supply across Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states. The company described the strike as unjustified and harmful, saying it disrupted essential services and endangered lives over what it called internal labour issues.

Speaking to journalists in Kano, KEDCO Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Shuaibu Jimaita, said the union’s action was morally wrong, especially as management had already reached agreements on legacy allowances and unpaid funds. He explained that the company had started settling inherited liabilities and had paid 15 out of the 19 months owed, with the remaining balance scheduled to be cleared alongside salaries.

Dr Jimaita noted that the outstanding issues dated back to 2019, long before the current management took over operations in 2025 through Future Energy Africa Investors. According to him, discussions with the union led to agreements on pension payments and arrears, which KEDCO has been honouring gradually. He also disclosed that appraisal-related payments amounting to about ₦510 million were being addressed in phases.

The KEDCO boss added that since the takeover, the company has invested heavily to improve service delivery, including a ₦1.3 billion upgrade at the Dawanau International Grains Market. He said staff welfare had also improved, with over 1,500 workers promoted after years of stagnation. Jimaita stressed that while challenges built up over a decade cannot be solved overnight, the company remains committed to reforms and sustainable power supply.