The Edo State Government has 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 position was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Power, Mr. Paul Usenbo, and released on Thursday in Benin.
Usenbo noted that the state government is fully aware of the industrial dispute involving members of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). Members of the union embarked on industrial action at BEDC facilities on Monday. The strike affected operations in Edo, Delta, Ekiti and Ondo states and resulted in power outages across the affected areas.
The commissioner disclosed that the dispute led to a conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja on Wednesday at the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment. The meeting focused on six critical issues affecting electricity workers: consequential adjustment, personal protective equipment (PPE), staff promotion, staff welfare, salary harmonisation and overtime payments.
According to Usenbo, the parties reached resolutions that included the immediate restoration of overtime payments and a three-week timeline for BEDC management to address the remaining five issues in consultation with the unions. The union is expected to participate fully in the review process.
He noted that the industrial action was to be suspended in the affected states, with the exception of Edo, pending the resolution of issues that are peculiar to the state. This development, he said, underscores the need for sustained engagement and practical solutions to the outstanding concerns of electricity workers in Edo.
“In this regard, the Commissioner for Labour and Employment, who is presently in Abuja, is actively engaged in efforts to address the labour-related issues and facilitate constructive dialogue toward an amicable resolution,” Usenbo stated.
The Commissioner for Power added that the Edo Ministry of Power would continue to work with relevant authorities, labour unions and electricity sector stakeholders to promote industrial harmony and protect the public interest.
He emphasised that the state government recognises electricity workers as indispensable to the effective operation of the power sector. Their welfare, safety and professional development, he stressed, must remain priority considerations in building a functional and sustainable electricity market.
Usenbo appealed 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, he said, the Edo Government remains committed to practical solutions that advance electricity sector reform, encourage investment, protect consumers and improve electricity service delivery throughout the state.
He assured residents that the government would continue to engage the appropriate authorities and stakeholders toward resolving the outstanding issues in the interest of workers, electricity consumers and the overall development of the state’s power sector.
