Electricity supply was disrupted in Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states on Monday after members of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) shut down facilities belonging to BEDC Electricity Plc.
The industrial action reportedly stemmed from disagreements over workers’ emoluments and welfare packages. The shutdown affected operations from the early hours of October 19, 2026.
At BEDC’s headquarters in Benin City, union officials reportedly prevented staff from entering the premises and shut down key operational facilities. Some workers were said to have left their offices early as the disruption continued.
NUEE, BEDC Management Hold Talks Over Dispute
A senior BEDC employee expressed surprise at the union’s action, claiming the company’s management had recently reviewed workers’ emoluments.
The staff member, who spoke to Vanguard anonymously, also alleged that some union members harassed employees who tried to record the incident.
However, attempts to reach NUEE’s Edo State Chairman, Williams Uwumarogie, for comments were unsuccessful.
NLC May Intervene in BEDC Labour Dispute
The Acting Edo State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Bernard Egwakide, confirmed that the congress had previously intervened in the dispute.
Egwakide said NUEE leaders were meeting with BEDC management to seek a resolution. He added that the outcome of the talks would determine whether the NLC would step in again.
As of the time of the report, it was unclear when normal electricity supply would be restored across the affected states.