BEDC, NUEE move to end lingering strike

Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BEDC Electricity, Engr Jonathan Lawani, has appealed to the leadership of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) to sustain dialogue and industrial harmony following the suspension of industrial action in three of the electricity distribution company’s four franchise states.

Lawani, in a statement issued on Thursday and made available to Journalists in Benin, the Edo State Capital, expressed appreciation to the union’s leadership and staff for their understanding and peaceful conduct during a conciliation meeting convened to address issues surrounding the industrial dispute.

The suspension of the action followed resolutions reached at the meeting, raising hopes for the restoration of normal operations across affected offices and improved relations between the company’s management and workers.

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The BEDC chief executive commended the union for embracing dialogue, describing constructive engagement as essential to resolving outstanding grievances and maintaining industrial peace in the electricity distribution sector.

He reaffirmed management’s respect for NUEE, insisting that he had no intention of undermining the union or disparaging its leadership in the course of managing the affairs of the company.

According to him, the management recognises the union as a critical stakeholder in the organisation and remains committed to maintaining a working relationship founded on mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.

Lawani stressed that management and the union belonged to one family, noting that both parties shared a common responsibility to protect workers’ interests, advance the organisation’s objectives and contribute to national development.

He urged the union’s leadership to remain calm and continue to pursue dialogue as a means of resolving the issues that led to the industrial action, rather than allowing disagreements to disrupt the company’s operations.

The Acting MD/CEO also called for sustained engagement between both parties to ensure that all outstanding matters were amicably resolved and normal business activities resumed fully across BEDC’s offices.

The development comes amid renewed efforts to address labour-management disagreements in the electricity distribution sector, where industrial disputes can affect staff activities, customer services and the delivery of electricity-related services.

Lawani’s appeal underscores the need for continued cooperation between electricity distribution companies and organised labour in addressing workplace concerns without prolonged disruptions to operations.

He expressed confidence that sustained dialogue and mutual understanding would help consolidate the gains made at the conciliation meeting and prevent a recurrence of the industrial action.

Lawani reiterated his commitment to working with NUEE to resolve outstanding issues and promote a peaceful working environment across the company’s franchise area.