BEDC to NUEE: Customers, companies mustn’t undergo over labour dispute

The administration of BEDC Electricity Plc has stated shoppers and companies mustn’t undergo extended hardship over points that the corporate and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) are already addressing by way of dialogue and established procedures.

The firm appealed to the union to droop its ongoing industrial motion, restore electrical energy provide throughout its franchise space and return to the negotiating desk to resolve excellent points.

The Chief Commercial Officer of BEDC, Mr Akinleye Ogenebeye, made the attraction on Tuesday in Benin City throughout a press briefing on behalf of the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr Jonathan Lawani.

Ogenebeye stated the commercial motion, which started at about 2 a.m. on October 19, disrupted electrical energy provide following the shutdown of the corporate’s feeders.

He recognized the problems behind the dispute as consequential adjustment arising from the nationwide minimal wage, wage harmonisation and different employees welfare considerations and appealed to the union to name off the strike.

While acknowledging the union’s grievances, the administration stated, “we have introduced several initiatives to improve employees’ welfare, career development and working conditions.”

The administration stated it remained dedicated to resolving the union’s considerations by way of dialogue and a structured evaluation course of that might take staff’ welfare and the corporate’s monetary sustainability into consideration.

It expressed concern over the influence of the commercial motion on electrical energy shoppers, companies, healthcare services, public establishments and different important companies depending on energy provide.

According to BEDC, wage will increase starting from 5 to 70 per cent had been applied throughout employees classes following the belief of workplace by the present administration.

It added, “957 employees were promoted between 2023 and 2025, while 1,314 salary adjustments were implemented during the period.”

The firm additional disclosed that greater than 1,394 staff obtained long-service awards valued at over N125 million, whereas roughly N75 million was spent to settle excellent employees exit advantages amassed over about 10 years.

Other initiatives included the introduction of a proper condition-of-service framework, end-of-year welfare packages, expanded coaching alternatives, improved healthcare protection and annual medical examinations.

BEDC stated greater than 1,000 staff had benefited from coaching programmes, whereas over 100 staff obtained performance-based recognition and money incentives costing greater than N68 million.

It additionally disclosed that the corporate’s group life insurance coverage provision was elevated from N56.35 million to N103.15 million, whereas greater than N40 million was spent on bereavement help for workers.

The administration listed improved occupational security measures, the availability of non-public protecting tools and common wage funds amongst its efforts to help staff regardless of prevailing financial challenges.

On the excellent points, BEDC stated discussions between administration and union representatives had continued, with the newest assembly held on October 7, 2026.

On the consequential adjustment arising from the nationwide minimal wage, the corporate stated a joint committee comprising administration and union representatives had been established to look at the matter and make suggestions.

It famous that the committee had but to conclude its project, including that the method must be allowed to run its course earlier than a ultimate resolution was communicated.

Regarding wage harmonisation, BEDC stated each events had agreed to have interaction an unbiased marketing consultant to evaluation the prevailing wage construction and associated considerations.

According to the corporate, a potential marketing consultant had been recognized, whereas preparations had been being made to start the train.

BEDC apologised to clients for the inconvenience attributable to the disruption and appealed for his or her endurance and understanding.

It reaffirmed its dedication to employees welfare, constructive engagement with the union and the supply of dependable electrical energy distribution companies throughout its franchise space.