Kaduna’s Electricity Crisis: A Call for Urgent Resolution -By Bello Idris

Kaduna residents have endured four days of total blackout following an indefinite strike by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE). The strike, which began on Monday, was triggered by Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company’s (KAEDCO) decision to lay off 900 workers. In response, union members barricaded KAEDCO’s corporate headquarters, preventing employees and customers from accessing the premises.

Beyond job losses, the union also accuses the company of failing to pay death and retirement benefits, a direct violation of service agreements. While their demands are legitimate, the ongoing power outage has left businesses, students, and households struggling. Small businesses reliant on electricity for daily operations are suffering revenue losses, students preparing for exams are unable to study, and essential services like hospitals and banks face serious disruptions.

This crisis calls for immediate intervention. KAEDCO must engage in sincere dialogue with NUEE to reach a fair resolution. The state and federal governments should also step in, as prolonged power outages will further cripple Kaduna’s economy. While workers have the right to demand better conditions, industrial actions should not come at the cost of public hardship. A middle ground must be found to ensure fairness for employees without plunging an entire state into darkness.

Kaduna cannot afford a prolonged energy crisis. The concerned stakeholders must act now before the situation worsens.

Bello Idris is an opinion writer and a graduate of Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.