As the blackout in Edo State enters its fifth day, the Edo State Government has said it has intensified efforts to resolve the ongoing industrial dispute between the management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and electricity workers in a bid to restore power supply and minimise the hardship faced by residents and businesses.
The Commissioner for Power, Paul Usenbo, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Benin City, noting that the government was engaging relevant authorities, labour unions and electricity sector stakeholders to achieve a peaceful resolution.
Usenbo said Edo State had taken the lead in negotiations on behalf of the four states served by BEDC-Edo, Delta, Ekiti and Ondo, following the commencement of the industrial action.
He explained that the state government convened a meeting at the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Edo, where discussions with the unions resulted in an understanding aimed at suspending the strike.
He added that Governor Monday Okpebholo had made necessary interventions to facilitate a resolution, while the Commissioner for Labour and Employment was engaging with stakeholders in Abuja.
Usenbo noted that although the industrial action had been suspended in Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states, further discussions were ongoing to resolve outstanding issues affecting Edo State.
He also disclosed that he had directed the chairman of the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission to convene a meeting with relevant stakeholders following the commencement of the strike, which he personally attended to facilitate dialogue and explore practical solutions.
The commissioner said the federal conciliation meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, addressed key workers’ welfare issues, including consequential adjustments, personal protective equipment, staff promotions, salary harmonisation and overtime payments.
According to him, the resolutions included the immediate restoration of overtime payments and a three-week timeline for BEDC management to address the remaining concerns in consultation with the unions.
He expressed optimism that continued engagement would lead to an amicable settlement and the restoration of normal electricity services.
Usenbo reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting electricity consumers, promoting industrial harmony and developing a stable and sustainable electricity market.
He urged the unions and BEDC management to sustain constructive dialogue and prioritise a peaceful resolution in the interest of workers, residents and businesses.
The commissioner assured the people of Edo State that the government would continue working with relevant authorities and stakeholders to resolve the crisis, restore electricity supply and improve service delivery across the state.
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