BEDC Electricity Plc has reported a staggering loss of over N2 billion due to a two-day strike initiated by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE). The strike, which began on October 19, 2026, affected operations across the company's franchise states, including Edo, Delta, Ekiti, and Ondo, as workers demanded better welfare and improved working conditions.

Engr. Jonathan Lawani, the Acting Managing Director and CEO of BEDC, revealed the financial impact of the strike during a press briefing in Benin City on October 20. Represented by Chief Commercial Officer Akinleye Ogunleye, Lawani noted that the disruption significantly hampered the company's ability to supply electricity to its customers, with the financial ramifications expected to escalate as the strike continues.

The unrest stems from unresolved issues surrounding salary adjustments following the implementation of the national minimum wage, as well as demands for salary harmonisation and enhanced employee welfare. While acknowledging the workers' grievances, Lawani highlighted that the management had introduced several initiatives aimed at improving staff welfare since October 2022. These initiatives included salary increases ranging from 5% to 70% across various staff categories, promotions for over 1,000 employees, and salary adjustments for 833 workers.

Additionally, the management had conducted a long-service award program that recognised 1,394 employees, costing the company over N125 million, and cleared a backlog of outstanding staff exit benefits amounting to about N75 million. Lawani emphasized that these efforts demonstrate the management's commitment to addressing employee welfare and improving working conditions.

Despite these initiatives, the NUEE maintains that the management has failed to adequately address their concerns, leading to the strike. Comrade Uwumarogie Owenaze William, the Edo State Chairman of NUEE, stated that the union had given management ample time to resolve the issues but was met with inaction. He listed the union's grievances, which include the non-implementation of the minimum wage, stagnation in promotions, and demands for improved welfare.

The strike commenced at approximately 2 a.m. on Monday, causing a significant disruption in electricity supply as workers shut down electricity feeders. William urged BEDC customers to be patient, asserting that the strike would persist until the union's demands are met.

In response to the ongoing situation, Lawani disclosed that a committee comprising management and union representatives had been formed to address the consequential adjustments related to the national minimum wage. However, he lamented that the committee had not concluded its work before the strike began. He called on the union to suspend the strike and return to negotiations, stressing that the public should not bear the brunt of the dispute.