By Reporter

The management of BEDC Electricity Plc has appealed to the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) to suspend its ongoing industrial action and return to the negotiating table, following widespread disruptions to electricity supply across the company’s franchise area.

The industrial action, which reportedly commenced at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, resulted in the shutdown of electricity feeders, significantly affecting BEDC’s ability to distribute power to its customers.

In a press briefing issued on Tuesday, October 20, BEDC management expressed concern over the hardship being experienced by households, businesses, industries, healthcare facilities and other institutions dependent on electricity supply.

The dispute centres on demands by electricity workers for consequential salary adjustments arising from the national minimum wage, salary harmonisation and other employee welfare concerns.

While acknowledging the legitimacy of workers’ welfare concerns, BEDC management maintained that substantial efforts had been made to improve employees’ conditions of service since the current management assumed responsibility in October 2022.

According to the company’s management, salary increases ranging from 5 to 70 per cent were implemented across various staff categories shortly after it assumed office.

Between 2023 and 2025, the company said 957 employees benefited from promotions, while 1,314 salary adjustments were implemented.

Management also disclosed that more than 1,394 employees received long-service awards at a cost exceeding ₦125 million, while approximately ₦75 million was spent clearing outstanding exit benefits accumulated over about ten years.

Other interventions highlighted include the establishment of a formal Conditions of Service framework, improved healthcare coverage, annual medical examinations, enhanced group life insurance, staff training and performance-based incentives.

BEDC stated that more than 1,000 employees had benefited from local and international training programmes, while over 100 workers received performance-based rewards valued at more than ₦68 million.

The company further disclosed that its group life insurance provision had increased from ₦56.35 million to ₦103.15 million, while over ₦40 million had been spent on bereavement support for employees and their families.

Management also maintained that salaries had been paid regularly without delays or reductions despite the challenging economic environment.

Addressing the immediate issues behind the industrial action, BEDC disclosed that discussions with union representatives had been ongoing, with the most recent engagement held on October 7, 2026.

On the demand for consequential adjustments following the national minimum wage increase, management explained that a joint committee comprising representatives of the company and the union had been established to examine the matter and make recommendations.

The committee, however, has yet to conclude its assignment.

Regarding salary harmonisation, management said both parties had agreed to engage an independent consultant to review the company’s salary structure, examine disparities and recommend an appropriate framework.

A prospective consultant has reportedly been identified, with arrangements underway to commence the exercise.

BEDC argued that these processes require careful consideration of the company’s financial position, existing salary structure and long-term operational sustainability.

Management insisted that the outstanding demands were receiving attention and appealed for sufficient time to conclude the ongoing consultations.

Customers Bear the Brunt
Beyond the disagreement between management and workers, the immediate casualties of the industrial action are electricity consumers across BEDC’s operational territory.

The disruption has implications for households, small businesses, manufacturers, hospitals and other essential service providers whose activities depend heavily on reliable electricity supply.

For many businesses already contending with rising operating costs, prolonged power outages could mean increased expenditure on alternative energy sources, reduced productivity and additional financial pressure.

BEDC management acknowledged these consequences, stressing that consumers should not be made to suffer indefinitely while negotiations continue.

The company appealed to the union to consider the wider public interest and allow electricity distribution operations to resume.

Reaffirming its commitment to employee welfare, BEDC maintained that dialogue, mutual understanding and due process remained the most sustainable means of resolving the dispute.

The company urged NUEE to immediately discontinue the picketing action and facilitate the restoration of electricity supply while discussions on outstanding demands continue.

BEDC also apologised to customers for the inconvenience and hardship occasioned by the disruption, assuring the public of its commitment to constructive engagement with the union.

The unfolding dispute once again highlights the delicate relationship between workers’ welfare, the financial sustainability of electricity distribution companies and the interests of consumers.

While employees have legitimate expectations regarding fair remuneration and improved working conditions, electricity consumers equally expect uninterrupted service from a sector that provides an essential public utility.

With negotiations already underway, attention will now turn to whether both parties can reach an accommodation that protects workers’ interests without prolonging the hardship being experienced by customers.

For now, the immediate priority remains the restoration of electricity supply and a negotiated settlement that prevents further disruption.

The union’s response to BEDC management’s latest position was not included in the statement made available to From My Window.