BENIN CITY, NIGERIA — The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Plc has suffered a massive financial blow exceeding ₦2 billion within two days following an industrial strike embarked upon by members of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE).
The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BEDC, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, disclosed the development during an official statement in Benin City on Tuesday.
Lawani stated that the union’s decision to shut down critical electricity distribution feeders starting early Monday morning threw millions of households and commercial centers into darkness across its franchise coverage areas—including Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ekiti States.
Detailing the severity of the industrial dispute, Lawani explained that the forced shutdown of regional power infrastructure has completely paralyzed revenue collection, daily commercial operations, and maintenance activities. He warned that the financial deficit would continue to escalate rapidly if the labor union does not immediately halt its strike and return to the negotiation table.
To resolve the dispute and restore power supply, BEDC management confirmed that active consultations are underway with national labor union leadership, security apparatuses, and key industry regulatory bodies.
The utility provider also tendered an apology to residential and commercial consumers across the region for the severe inconvenience caused by the blackout, assuring the public that all efforts are being deployed to reach a peaceful resolution.
Concurrently, local business operators, health facilities, and residents across Benin City and neighboring towns continue to count their losses as reliance on high-cost alternative fuel generators mounts amid the ongoing blackout.
You Might Also Like
