Kano DisCo cautions unions as power supply resumes after strike

The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (Kano DisCo) has announced the restoration of normal power supply across its franchise areas following the resolution of the recent industrial action by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC).

While confirming that operations have fully resumed, Kano DisCo expressed disappointment over the unions’ decision to disrupt services, calling it “regrettable,” especially as the company had been engaging with labour representatives to address longstanding issues.

Among the unresolved concerns is the backlog of unremitted pension deductions, which Kano DisCo acknowledged had built up over an 11-year period. The company said its current core investor, who assumed control in December 2023, was alarmed to discover over N3 billion in pension liabilities.

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At the time of takeover, Kano DisCo was grappling with severe operational and financial distress, losing close to N3 billion monthly and only meeting 59 percent of its financial obligations to the electricity market. As part of ongoing reforms to stabilise operations, the company said pension liabilities saw a marginal increase.

However, Kano DisCo noted significant progress since the takeover, claiming it now remits 100 percent of its market obligations and is currently the most improved distribution company within Nigeria’s electricity sector.

The company commended the Kano State Government for its timely intervention in resolving the labour dispute. It specifically praised the Honourable Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Engr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu, for mediating between the unions and Kano DisCo to ensure a peaceful resolution.

Reaffirming its commitment to a fair and stable workplace, the DisCo said it is working with stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions to its labour-related challenges while striving to deliver improved services to its employees and customers.