EDO SEEKS RESOLUTION TO BEDC INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE

The Edo State Government is working to resolve the industrial dispute between BEDC Electricity Plc and its workers, following power disruptions affecting homes, businesses and government offices.

The Commissioner for Energy, Paul Usenbo, said the administration was seeking a resolution between the electricity company and its employees.

Members of the National Union of Electricity Employees began industrial action over grievances concerning pay, salary harmonisation, promotions and conditions of service.

The disruption has affected BEDC’s operations across Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states. In Benin City, reports indicated that some offices relied on generators to keep essential activities running.

The union maintains that longstanding welfare concerns remain unresolved. Its representatives have accused management of failing to adequately address differences in salary structures and other outstanding benefits.

BEDC has defended its welfare record, citing promotions, long-service awards and other support for employees. The company said it had engaged consultants to review salary disparities and develop a harmonisation framework.

Management has also appealed to the union to suspend the action and return to negotiations, arguing that customers should not continue to bear the consequences of the disagreement.

For residents and business owners, the immediate concern is restoring reliable electricity. A lasting settlement, however, will require both sides to agree on how outstanding staff issues will be addressed.

The state government’s intervention seeks to bring the parties closer to that agreement while easing the disruption to everyday activities.