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BEDC Electricity Plc has appealed to the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) to suspend its ongoing industrial action and resume negotiations, following widespread disruptions to electricity supply across its franchise area.
The strike, which reportedly began at about 2:00 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, led to the shutdown of electricity feeders, leaving households, businesses and other electricity-dependent institutions affected by the disruption.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, BEDC management acknowledged the hardship caused by the industrial action and urged the union to consider the interests of electricity consumers while negotiations over workers’ welfare demands continue.
The dispute centres on consequential salary adjustments arising from the national minimum wage increase, salary harmonisation and other employee welfare concerns.
BEDC Highlights Workers’ Welfare Improvements
Defending its record on staff welfare, BEDC management said it had introduced several measures to improve employees’ conditions of service since assuming responsibility for the company in October 2022.
According to the company, salary increases ranging from 5 to 70 per cent were implemented across various staff categories shortly after the current management took over.
BEDC also disclosed that 957 employees benefited from promotions between 2023 and 2025, while 1,314 salary adjustments were implemented during the period.
The company said more than 1,394 employees received long-service awards valued at over ₦125 million, while approximately ₦75 million was spent on clearing outstanding exit benefits accumulated over about a decade.
Other initiatives cited by management include improved healthcare coverage, annual medical examinations, enhanced group life insurance, staff training, performance-based incentives and the establishment of a formal Conditions of Service framework.
BEDC added that more than 1,000 employees had participated in local and international training programmes, while over 100 workers received performance-based rewards worth more than ₦68 million.
The company further stated that its group life insurance provision increased from ₦56.35 million to ₦103.15 million, with more than ₦40 million spent on bereavement support for employees and their families.
Management maintained that salaries had continued to be paid regularly, without delays or reductions, despite prevailing economic challenges.
Negotiations on Salary Demands Ongoing
Addressing the issues that triggered the industrial action, BEDC said discussions with union representatives had been ongoing, with the latest engagement held on October 7, 2026.
On consequential adjustments arising from the national minimum wage increase, management explained that a joint committee comprising company and union representatives had been established to examine the demand and make recommendations.
However, the committee had yet to complete its assignment as of the time of the statement.
On salary harmonization, BEDC said both parties had agreed to engage an independent consultant to review the company's salary structure, identify disparities and recommend an appropriate framework.
According to management, a prospective consultant had been identified, while arrangements were underway to commence the review.
The company argued that resolving the outstanding issues required careful consideration of its financial position, existing salary structure and long-term operational sustainability.
It insisted that the workers’ demands were receiving attention and appealed to the union to allow sufficient time for the ongoing consultations to be concluded.
Customers Bear the Brunt of Industrial Action
The dispute has raised concerns over the impact of prolonged electricity outages on households, businesses, manufacturers, healthcare facilities and other institutions that depend on a reliable power supply.
Small businesses and industrial operators could face increased operating costs as they turn to generators and other alternative energy sources, while reduced electricity availability may affect productivity and service delivery.
Acknowledging the consequences, BEDC appealed to NUEE to suspend the industrial action and allow distribution operations to resume while discussions continue.
The company stressed that electricity consumers should not continue to bear the burden of a dispute between management and workers.
BEDC also apologized to customers for the inconvenience and hardship caused by the disruption, reaffirming its commitment to resolving the disagreement through dialogue and constructive engagement.
Public Interest at Stake the dispute highlights the challenge of balancing workers’ demands for improved remuneration and working conditions with the financial sustainability of electricity distribution companies and the public's need for reliable electricity.
While BEDC says it has introduced several welfare measures and established processes to address outstanding salary concerns, the union's position on management's latest appeal remains unclear.
Attention is now focused on whether both parties can reach an agreement that addresses employees concerns and facilitates the restoration of electricity supply across BEDC's operational territory.
For affected customers, the immediate priority remains the restoration of power and a lasting resolution to the dispute to prevent further disruption.
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