Residents of Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states are facing electricity blackout as workers of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (Disco) initiated an industrial action. The Nigerian Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) spearheaded the indefinite strike following grievances against the management of the company.
The workers voiced concerns over several issues, including the non-remittance of six years’ worth of pension funds, non-payment of death benefits to the families of deceased staff, outstanding exit packages, alleged wrongful termination of seven Zaria-based staff, and the purported plan to lay off over 1,000 employees.
In response, the management of Kaduna Disco, represented by its Head of Corporate Communication, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, condemned the strike, deeming it unjustified and untimely, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Abdulazeez questioned the union’s motives, particularly regarding the demand for pension arrears, which he attributed to debts accumulated under previous mmanagement
Abdulazeez’s statement emphasized the disruption caused by the strike, highlighting its adverse effects on the populace and characterizing it as counterproductive. He urged the union to prioritize constructive dialogue and cooperation rather than resorting to industrial action.