BEDC loses over N2bn to two-day workers’ strike – Management

Bedouistan Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has suffered a financial loss of over N2 billion due to a two-day industrial strike led by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE). The union initiated the protest on October 19, 2026, in the franchise states of Edo, Delta, Ekiti, and Ondo, demanding better welfare and conditions of service.

BEDC's Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, disclosed this on October 20, 2026, during a press briefing in Benin City. Lawani stated that the strike has disrupted the company's electricity supply and that the financial impact will increase as the industrial action continues. The dispute stems from concerns over salary adjustments following the implementation of the national minimum wage, salary harmonisation, and other employee welfare matters.

Despite acknowledging worker concerns, Lawani emphasized that BEDC has been proactive in improving staff welfare, remuneration, and working conditions since taking office in October 2022. The company introduced salary increases ranging from 5% to 70% and provided over 1,000 employees with promotions and 833 with salary adjustments between 2023 and 2025.

Lawani also highlighted the resolution of a long-standing backlog of employee exit benefits and an increase in group life insurance provision. However, a committee comprising management and union representatives to examine consequential adjustments arising from the national minimum wage has yet to conclude its work. Lawani appealed to the union to suspend the strike and return to negotiations, urging BEDC customers to bear the consequences of the dispute.