Electricity workers in Katsina State have commenced an indefinite strike action over pension entitlements allegedly withheld for more than eight years, potentially disrupting power supply across the northwestern state.

The industrial action, which officially began on Wednesday, is being led by members of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) who work for the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) - the power distributor responsible for Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states.

Speaking about the development, Northwest Zonal Coordinator of NUEE, Comrade Sani Muhammad Ahmad, confirmed that union members had sealed off KEDCO's Katsina branch office along Kano Road as part of their protest actions.

"Our members are being shortchanged — over 100 months of pension deductions remain unpaid. This indefinite strike is the last resort after exhausting all dialogue options," Ahmad stated while overseeing the office closure.

The union leader accused KEDCO of deliberately withholding pension contributions despite having the financial capacity to clear the accumulated backlog. He emphasized that the strike would continue indefinitely until the outstanding payments are addressed.

While acknowledging the potential inconvenience to residents, Ahmad appealed for public understanding, saying: "We're not just workers; we're parents and breadwinners too. All we're asking for is what we've rightfully earned."

The strike is expected to significantly impact electricity supply throughout the region, particularly in Katsina where union members are actively enforcing the industrial action.

As of press time, KEDCO management had not issued an official response to the workers' grievances or the ongoing strike action.