- After a four-day power outage, the Kaduna State Government steps in to mediate between Kaduna Electric and the workers’ union.
- Deputy Governor Balarabe urges the union to restore electricity while negotiations on workforce downsizing continue.
- Union demands due process and complete payment of workers’ entitlements before staff reductions.
The Kaduna State Government has intervened to resolve the industrial dispute between Kaduna Electric and its workers’ union, which led to a four-day power outage across the company’s franchise states.
Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe met both parties at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Thursday and urged the union to restore power to consumers immediately. She highlighted how the outage had severely affected homes, businesses, and security services.
In a statement by Ibrahim Musa, spokesperson for Governor Uba Sani, the Deputy Governor demanded a quick resolution. She encouraged the union and the company’s management to reach common ground. Balarabe also advised them to maintain regular communication to avoid future disruptions.
Speaking at the meeting, Comrade Wisdom Chidi Nwachukwu, National Vice President (Distribution) of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), clarified that the union doesn’t oppose workforce downsizing. However, he insisted that due process must guide any staff cuts and that workers must receive their entitlements in full.
Nwachukwu noted that the union and management have shared interests but emphasised the need for proper procedures when reducing staff. He promised to relay the Deputy Governor’s appeal to the union’s national leadership and expressed optimism about resolving the dispute soon.
The four-day outage disrupted life across Kaduna Electric’s franchise area. Residents, businesses, and critical services experienced significant challenges. Many people voiced frustration, raising concerns about the impact on local economies and essential services like healthcare.
In her remarks, Deputy Governor Balarabe called on the union to restore electricity while negotiations continued. She warned that ongoing power cuts worsened the hardship affecting residents, businesses, and security agencies. She emphasised the importance of a quick resolution to prevent further disruptions.
The Deputy Governor’s intervention followed growing pressure on Kaduna Electric and the union to resolve the issue. Stakeholders demanded urgent action to end the power outages, especially as the state faced economic and security difficulties.
While the union acknowledged the need for staff reductions, it insisted that management follow proper guidelines and ensure workers receive their full benefits. According to union leaders, the strike responded to management’s failure to adhere to agreed procedures.
Despite the dispute, both parties showed a willingness to resolve the issue. Comrade Nwachukwu assured the Deputy Governor that the union remained committed to dialogue and a resolution.
Kaduna Electric, one of Nigeria’s key distribution companies, serves customers in Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. The strike triggered widespread outages across these regions, with many communities plunging into darkness.
Governor Uba Sani’s administration will continue mediating the talks, urging both parties to prioritise the interests of Kaduna residents and businesses.
As negotiations proceed, residents remain hopeful for a resolution and the restoration of power, bringing relief to the communities grappling with the blackout.