The Kaduna State Government has urged the management of Kaduna Electric and the electricity workers’ union to find a common ground to resolve their differences, as the ongoing power outage continues to impact socio-economic activities in the state.
Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe made the appeal during a meeting with management of Kaduna Electric and the National Union of Electricity Employees at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.
Since Monday, February 3, Kaduna State and other franchise states under Kaduna Electric have been plunged into darkness following the mass dismissal of 900 workers, which sparked protests and workers’ strike.
However, the management of Kaduna Electric clarified that the actual number of laid-off workers is 444, not 900, as widely claimed.
To address the crisis, the Kaduna State Government convened an emergency meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, alongside representatives of the electricity union, to expedite power restoration.
She emphasized that the prolonged outage has severely impacted homes and businesses.
Wisdom Nwachukwu, National Vice President for Distribution at NUEE, stated that while the union is not opposed to downsizing, it insists that due process must be followed in the layoffs.
Meanwhile, the management of Kaduna Electric defended its decision, arguing that cost-cutting measures were necessary to keep the company financially viable and prevent insolvency.
The union has promised to relay the state government’s appeal to its national headquarters, expressing hope for a swift resolution.
However, it maintains that all affected workers must receive their full entitlements.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
