Edo NLC Backs BEDC Strike, Warns Against Mass Sack Threats

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its support for the ongoing strike by the state chapter of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), faulting the management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) over alleged neglect of workers’ welfare and failure to address unresolved labour-related grievances.

In a statement issued in Benin City on Monday, October 19, 2026, the Edo NLC called on BEDC management to urgently return to the negotiation table and resolve the outstanding issues that prompted the industrial action.

Among the major areas of contention are salary harmonisation, the implementation of the national minimum wage, workers’ promotion, alleged threats of mass sack, and other outstanding welfare demands.

The statement, signed by the Chairman of the Edo NLC Caretaker Committee, Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen, faulted BEDC management for failing to utilise the additional seven-day grace period granted after the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued by NUEE to resolve the disputes.

The labour body expressed concern over what it described as the company’s unwillingness to address the union’s demands, warning that it would not stand by while workers in the state were subjected to what it characterised as inhuman treatment, exploitation and unfavourable working conditions.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting workers’ rights, the Edo NLC maintained that it would continue to support legitimate efforts by trade unions to secure fair wages, improved working conditions and respect for collective bargaining agreements.

Beyond the dispute with BEDC, the labour body also renewed its criticism of the Edo State Government over its alleged dealings with individuals it described as impostors claiming leadership of the NLC in the state.

The council argued that recognising individuals outside the union’s legitimate leadership structure undermines organised labour and violates established international labour standards.

“As a member state of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Nigeria is bound by the fundamental conventions that protect the right to organise and bargain collectively,” the statement said.

The Edo NLC further cited ILO Convention No. 98, which protects workers’ rights to organise and engage in collective bargaining, arguing that Article 2 of the convention prohibits interference by employers in the administration and operation of workers’ organisations.

The council accused BEDC management of deliberately undermining the Edo NLC by bypassing its recognised leadership and engaging individuals it described as self-appointed leaders.

It warned that such actions constitute a calculated attempt to weaken the labour movement, erode its collective bargaining power and undermine the established structures through which workers’ interests are protected.

The labour body also called on the Edo State Government to urgently review its approach to labour relations and trade union engagement, insisting that workers’ rights and the independence of their representative organisations must be respected.

It stressed that any attempt to disregard recognised union leadership or undermine established labour structures could further strain industrial relations and jeopardise efforts to maintain industrial peace in the state.