The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) says it has lost more than ₦2 billion in revenue within two days as its workers’ strike disrupts electricity supply across four states.
The industrial action, organised by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), began at about 2 a.m. on October 19, 2026. The protest has affected BEDC’s operations in Edo, Delta, Ekiti and Ondo states.
According to the company, protesting workers shut down electricity feeders, leaving customers across the affected areas without power.
BEDC disclosed the financial impact on Tuesday in Benin during a briefing on the strike and its effect on electricity distribution.
The company’s Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Lawani, was represented by its Chief Commercial Officer, Akinleye Ogunleye.
BEDC Strike Linked to Salary and Welfare Disputes
Lawani said the dispute centres on consequential salary adjustments following the implementation of the national minimum wage, salary harmonisation and other workers’ welfare concerns.
He acknowledged the workers’ grievances but maintained that management had introduced several measures to improve staff welfare, remuneration and working conditions since October 2022.
According to him, BEDC implemented salary increases ranging from five per cent to 70 per cent across different staff categories after the current management took office.
He added that more than 1,000 employees received promotions between 2023 and 2025. During the same period, 833 workers benefited from salary adjustments and other welfare packages.
The company said management and union representatives had also established a committee to examine the consequential adjustments arising from the minimum wage implementation.
However, the committee had not completed its assignment before the strike began.
NUEE Says BEDC Failed to Address Workers’ Demands
The Edo State Chairman of NUEE, Uwumarogie Owenaze William, said the strike followed the management’s failure to resolve the union’s concerns.
He listed the grievances as the alleged non-implementation of the minimum wage, outstanding salary harmonisation and increments, stalled promotions and demands for improved staff welfare.
William said the union had given management sufficient time to address the issues but had not received a satisfactory response.
He appealed to BEDC customers to bear with the union, adding that the industrial action would continue until its demands were met.
BEDC Urges Workers to Return to Negotiations
BEDC management has appealed to the union to suspend the strike and return to the negotiating table.
Lawani warned that the disruption was affecting the company’s ability to supply electricity and causing mounting financial losses.
He also expressed concern about the impact on customers and businesses across the four affected states.
The dispute remains unresolved, with the union insisting that the strike will continue until its demands are addressed.
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