Blackout Hits Four Nigerian States as Electricity Workers Shut Down BEDC Facilities
Electricity supply has been disrupted in Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states after members of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) shut down facilities operated by BEDC Electricity Plc over disputes concerning workers’ earnings and welfare packages.
The disruption followed industrial action at the electricity distribution company’s facilities, including its headquarters in Benin City, where union officials reportedly prevented some staff from entering the premises.
According to reports published on Tuesday, the shutdown began in the early hours of Monday, leaving consumers in the affected states facing power outages.
Dispute Over Workers’ Welfare
The industrial action was linked to disagreements over staff remuneration and welfare benefits.
A senior BEDC staff member expressed surprise at the union’s decision, claiming that the company’s management had recently reviewed workers’ remuneration.
Meanwhile, the acting chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Edo State, Bernard Egwakide, confirmed that the labour organisation had previously intervened in the dispute.
He said NUEE leaders and BEDC management were meeting to resolve the disagreement, adding that further intervention would depend on the outcome of the discussions.
Four States Affected
The disruption has raised concerns among households and businesses that depend on electricity for their daily activities.
Small businesses, traders and other electricity-dependent enterprises could face additional operating costs if the interruption continues, particularly those forced to rely on generators.
The duration of the disruption and the timing of a full restoration of electricity supply were not confirmed in the report.
Resolution Talks Underway
Negotiations between the union and BEDC management were ongoing at the time of reporting.
The outcome of the discussions is expected to determine the next steps in resolving the dispute and restoring normal operations.
Consumers in the affected states will be watching for further updates as efforts continue to settle the disagreement between the electricity workers and the company.
