The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC) Branch has suspended its indefinite strike, which caused a prolonged power outage across Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi states.
The suspension of the five-day strike came after the intervention of Governor Uba Sani, who held a crucial meeting with the management of Kaduna Electric and the labour union at the Kaduna State Government House on Friday night.
Addressing the meeting, Governor Sani expressed deep concern over the impact of the prolonged power outage, noting that it had severely affected residents and businesses across Kaduna state.
The governor appealed to both parties to reconsider their positions, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution.
Following the discussions, the electricity workers agreed to restore power supply to Kaduna and all other franchise states under Kaduna Electric with immediate effect.
The meeting also resulted in a temporary halt to the planned downsizing of the workforce, with both the management and labour union agreeing to further negotiations on the matter.
The National Union of Electricity Employees had commenced the strike on Monday, February 3, 2025, in protest against an alleged plan by Kaduna Electric to dismiss 900 workers.
However, in a statement released on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the company clarified that only 450 workers were disengaged, not 900, as claimed by the union.
According to the spokesman of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Abdulazis Abdullahi, the decision to sack some workers was due to significant operational and financial challenges, which had hindered the company’s ability to meet its market and operational obligations.
With power restored and further talks scheduled, residents and businesses across the affected states can now expect relief from the blackout.
