The Edo State Government has stepped up pressure on the management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) to resolve their lingering labour dispute and restore normal electricity supply, as the blackout threatens businesses, healthcare facilities and other essential services across the state.
Paul Usenbo, Edo State Commissioner for Power, made the appeal at a press conference in Benin City, urging both parties to put the public interest first and reach a peaceful settlement over disagreements bordering on staff welfare, salary harmonisation, consequential adjustments, promotions, personal protective equipment and overtime payments.
Usenbo said the prolonged industrial dispute was affecting electricity consumers and could further undermine economic activities if the parties failed to reach an agreement, stressing that businesses, hospitals and other essential service providers should not bear the brunt of the disagreement.
He disclosed that the dispute featured at a conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, where the parties agreed on the immediate restoration of overtime payments and gave BEDC management three weeks to address other outstanding issues in consultation with the unions.
However, the planned suspension of the industrial action did not extend to Edo State, pending the resolution of issues specific to the state, leaving residents and businesses exposed to continued disruption while further negotiations are pursued.
The commissioner acknowledged the importance of electricity workers to the effective functioning of the power sector, saying their welfare, safety and professional development were essential to industrial harmony and the delivery of reliable electricity services.
He said the state government remained concerned about the impact of the dispute on residents, businesses and the wider economy, adding that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo was committed to protecting electricity consumers, promoting investment and improving power supply across the state.
Usenbo assured residents that the government would continue to engage BEDC management, labour unions and relevant authorities to facilitate an amicable settlement that addresses workers’ grievances without prolonging the disruption to electricity supply.
He urged both parties to sustain dialogue, exercise restraint, and demonstrate a commitment to resolving their differences, warning against allowing the dispute to further disrupt economic activities and essential services across Edo State.