Blackout Looms In Kano, Jigawa, Katsina As Union Pickets KEDCO Office

Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states may be thrown into darkness as members of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), on Thursday morning picketed the Kano Electricity and Distribution Company (KEDCO) office in Kano.

The Union had in a notice signed by SSAEAC’s Deputy Secretary General, North, Dr. Baba Gana, solicited the support of its counterpart, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) to press home their demands as they picket the office.

According to Dr Gana, the union’s action was as a result of the refusal of KEDCO management to approve the reviewed condition of service that was agreed between the two parties.

He explained that the management have refused to remit 79 months pension deducted from staff salary and non-remittance of 80 months Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), including 13th month outstanding payment for 2019, 2023 and balance of 2022.

Dr. Gana also blamed inadequate funding of regional offices for their operations and maintenance of networks, as well as unsafe working conditions due to lack of working tools for the action.

Others conditions the union demands include payment of outstanding performance appraisal salary increment for the years 2020, 2021 and 2023 and arrears for 2019 performance appraisal.

It added that their grievances include, “Few selection of staff transfer transportation allowance. Outstanding exit package to retired staff, and non-payment of promotion and upgrade arrears from April 2022 to February, 2024, among others.”

Gana insists that the picketing would continue until the and management are able to resolve the matter.