By Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared full solidarity with the state chapter of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) over its ongoing strike, accusing the management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) of neglecting workers’ welfare and failing to address critical labour grievances.
The Edo NLC, in a statement issued in Benin City on Monday, October 19, 2026, called on BEDC management to immediately return to the negotiation table and resolve the lingering disputes that triggered the industrial action.
The contentious issues include salary harmonisation, implementation of the national minimum wage, workers’ promotion, alleged threats of mass sack, and other unresolved welfare demands.
The statement, signed by the Chairman of the Edo NLC Caretaker Committee, Prof Monday Lewis Igbafen, faulted BEDC management for failing to utilise the additional seven-day grace period granted after the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued by NUEE to resolve the disputes.
The labour body expressed concern over what it described as the company’s unwillingness to address the union’s demands, warning that it would not stand by while workers in the state were subjected to what it characterised as inhuman treatment, exploitation and unfavourable working conditions.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting workers’ rights, the Edo NLC maintained that it would continue to support legitimate efforts by trade unions to secure fair wages, improved working conditions and respect for collective bargaining agreements.
Beyond the dispute with BEDC, the labour body also renewed its criticism of the Edo State Government over its alleged dealings with individuals it described as impostors claiming leadership of the NLC in the state.
The council argued that recognising individuals outside the union’s legitimate leadership structure undermines organised labour and violates established international labour standards.
“As a member state of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Nigeria is bound by the fundamental conventions that protect the right to organise and bargain collectively,” the statement said.
The Edo NLC further cited ILO Convention No. 98, which protects workers’ rights to organise and engage in collective bargaining, arguing that Article 2 of the convention prohibits interference by employers in the administration and operation of workers’ organisations.
According to the council, bypassing the recognised leadership of the Edo NLC in favour of individuals it described as self-appointed leaders amounts to a calculated attempt to weaken the congress’s collective bargaining strength.
The labour body consequently urged the Edo State Government to reconsider its approach to labour relations and trade unions, stressing the need to respect workers’ organisations and their established leadership structures.