EDO MINISTRY OF POWER REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO WORKERS’ WELFARE AS BEDC STRIKE LINGERS IN EDO.

EDO MINISTRY OF POWER REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO WORKERS’ WELFARE AS BEDC STRIKE LINGERS IN EDO.

The Edo State Ministry of Power has reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government to the welfare of electricity workers, protection of consumers’ interest, and development of a stable, efficient and sustainable electricity market across the state.

This information was disclosed at a press briefing held at the Ministry today at the Ministry Secretariat in Benin City.

This press briefing is coming as electricity workers under the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) embarked on strike on Monday, 19th October, 2026 across four states  Ekiti,the Ondo, Edo and Delta crippling operations of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

The Ministry disclosed that it is aware of the industrial dispute between NUEE and BEDC management, which led to a conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja on *Wednesday, 21st October, 2026.

According to the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Paul E. Usenbo, the meeting addressed critical issues affecting electricity workers, including consequential adjustments, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), staff promotions, staff welfare, salary harmonization and overtime payments.

The Commissioner stated that the Resolutions reached at the meeting included the immediate restoration of overtime payments and a three week timeline for BEDC management to address remaining issues in consultation with the unions.

The Ministry noted that the industrial action is to be suspended in the affected states, with the exception of Edo State, Monday, 19th October, 2026 pending resolution of issues peculiar to the state.

“This underscores the need for sustained engagement and practical resolution of outstanding concerns affecting electricity workers in Edo State,” the statement said.

The Ministry revealed that the Honourable Commissioner for Labour and Employment, who is presently in Abuja, is actively engaged in efforts to address labour related issues and facilitate constructive dialogue towards amicable resolution.

“The Edo State Ministry of Power will continue to work with relevant authorities, labour unions and electricity sector stakeholders to promote industrial harmony and protect public interest,” Usenbo said.

The Ministry stressed that electricity workers are indispensable to effective operation of the power sector, and their welfare, safety and professional development must remain priority in building a functional electricity market.

It appealed to all parties to sustain constructive engagement, exercise restraint and prioritize peaceful resolution that minimizes disruption to residents, businesses, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

“Under the leadership of His Excellency Senator 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 statement added.

The Ministry assured Edo people that it will continue to engage appropriate authorities and stakeholders towards resolving outstanding issues in the interest of workers, consumers and overall development of the state’s power sector.