Total Blackout in Delta, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti as Workers Shut Down BEDC

Millions of residents and business owners across Delta, Edo, Ondo, and Ekiti states have been thrown into total darkness following an industrial action embarked upon by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE).

The union shut down key operational facilities and headquarters of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Plc over ongoing disputes concerning staff emoluments, unpaid allowances, and worker welfare packages.

The industrial action, which commenced in the early hours of Monday, saw union leaders barricade BEDC’s headquarters in Benin City, preventing company officials and staff from accessing their offices and shutting down critical power distribution infrastructure across the four franchise states.

Reaction from BEDC management expressed surprise over the sudden shutdown. A senior company official noted that management had recently reviewed staff remuneration and claimed some union members harassed employees who attempted to document the blockade.

Meanwhile, the Acting State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Bernard Egwakide, confirmed that NUEE leadership is currently locked in high-level talks with BEDC management. He noted that the outcome of these negotiations will determine whether the apex labour organization will step in to mediate further.

As negotiations continue, no definitive timeline has been given for the restoration of electricity supply across the four affected states.