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The management of BEDC Electricity Plc has said consumers and businesses should not suffer prolonged hardship over issues that the company and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) are already addressing through dialogue and established procedures.
The company appealed to the union to suspend its ongoing industrial action, restore electricity supply across its franchise area and return to the negotiating table to resolve outstanding issues.
The Chief Commercial Officer of BEDC, Mr Akinleye Ogenebeye, made the appeal on Tuesday in Benin City during a press briefing on behalf of the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr Jonathan Lawani.
Ogenebeye said the industrial action, which began at about 2 a.m. on October 19, disrupted electricity supply following the shutdown of the company’s feeders.
He identified the issues behind the dispute as consequential adjustment arising from the national minimum wage, salary harmonisation and other staff welfare concerns and appealed to the union to call off the strike.
While acknowledging the union’s grievances, the management said, “we have introduced several initiatives to improve employees’ welfare, career development and working conditions.”
The management said it remained committed to resolving the union’s concerns through dialogue and a structured review process that would take employees’ welfare and the company’s financial sustainability into consideration.
It expressed concern over the impact of the industrial action on electricity consumers, businesses, healthcare facilities, public institutions and other essential services dependent on power supply.
According to BEDC, salary increases ranging from five to 70 per cent were implemented across staff categories following the assumption of office by the current management.
It added, “957 employees were promoted between 2023 and 2025, while 1,314 salary adjustments were implemented during the period.”
The company further disclosed that more than 1,394 employees received long-service awards valued at over N125 million, while approximately N75 million was spent to settle outstanding staff exit benefits accumulated over about 10 years.
Other initiatives included the introduction of a formal condition-of-service framework, end-of-year welfare packages, expanded training opportunities, improved healthcare coverage and annual medical examinations.
BEDC said more than 1,000 employees had benefited from training programmes, while over 100 workers received performance-based recognition and cash incentives costing more than N68 million.
It also disclosed that the company’s group life insurance provision was increased from N56.35 million to N103.15 million, while more than N40 million was spent on bereavement support for employees.
The management listed improved occupational safety measures, the provision of personal protective equipment and regular salary payments among its efforts to support workers despite prevailing economic challenges.
On the outstanding issues, BEDC said discussions between management and union representatives had continued, with the latest meeting held on October 7, 2026.
On the consequential adjustment arising from the national minimum wage, the company said a joint committee comprising management and union representatives had been established to examine the matter and make recommendations.
It noted that the committee had yet to conclude its assignment, adding that the process should be allowed to run its course before a final decision was communicated.
Regarding salary harmonisation, BEDC said both parties had agreed to engage an independent consultant to review the existing salary structure and related concerns.
According to the company, a prospective consultant had been identified, while arrangements were being made to commence the exercise.
BEDC apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused by the disruption and appealed for their patience and understanding.
It reaffirmed its commitment to staff welfare, constructive engagement with the union and the delivery of reliable electricity distribution services across its franchise area.
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