The Edo State Government on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of electricity workers, the protection of consumers’ interests, and the development of a stable, efficient, and sustainable electricity market across the state.
The state Commissioner for Power, Paul Usenbo, stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Benin.
He said the state government was aware of the industrial dispute involving members of the National Union of Electricity Employees and the management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, which culminated in a conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
The statement read, “The Edo State Ministry of Power wishes to reaffirm the commitment of the Edo State Government to the welfare of electricity workers, the protection of consumers’ interests, and the development of a stable, efficient, and sustainable electricity market across the state.
“The Ministry is aware of the industrial dispute involving members of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), which culminated in a conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
“The Ministry notes that the meeting addressed critical issues affecting electricity workers, including consequential adjustments, personal protective equipment, staff promotions, staff welfare, salary harmonisation, and overtime payments. The resolutions reached included the immediate restoration of overtime payments and a three-week timeline for BEDC management to address the remaining issues in consultation with the unions.
“The Ministry particularly notes that the industrial action is to be suspended in the affected states, with the exception of Edo State, pending the resolution of issues peculiar to the state. This underscores the need for sustained engagement and a practical resolution of outstanding concerns affecting electricity workers in Edo State.”
Usenbo said the state Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Godwin Esheshie, who is presently in Abuja, is actively engaged in efforts to address the labour-related issues and facilitate constructive dialogue towards an amicable resolution.
He said that the Edo State Ministry of Power would continue to work with the relevant authorities, labour unions, and electricity sector stakeholders to promote industrial harmony and protect the public interest.
He added, “The ministry recognises that electricity workers are indispensable to the effective operation of the power sector. Their welfare, safety, and professional development must remain important considerations in building a functional and sustainable electricity market.
“At the same time, the ministry appeals to all parties to sustain constructive engagement, exercise restraint, and prioritise a peaceful resolution that minimises disruption to residents, businesses, healthcare facilities, and other essential services across Edo State.
“Under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State Government remains committed to practical solutions that advance electricity sector reform, encourage investment, protect consumers, and improve electricity service delivery throughout the state.
“The Ministry assures the good people of Edo State that it will continue to engage the appropriate authorities and stakeholders towards resolving the outstanding issues in the interest of workers, electricity consumers, and the overall development of the state’s power sector.”
Recall that Edo, Delta, Ekiti and Ondo have been thrown into darkness after the electricity workers shut down BEDC facilities on Monday and embarked on a strike over what they claimed as unpaid allowances