BEDC STRIKE RAISES ALARM OVER HOSPITALS, LIFE-SUPPORT MACHINES AS COMPANY URGES DIALOGUE

BEDC STRIKE RAISES ALARM OVER HOSPITALS, LIFE-SUPPORT MACHINES AS COMPANY URGES DIALOGUE


BEDC Raises Alarm Over Strike’s Impact on Hospitals, Life-Support Machines, Essential Services

BEDC Electricity Plc has raised concerns over the potential impact of the ongoing industrial action by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) on healthcare delivery, businesses and other essential services across Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states.

The electricity distribution company, in a statement issued in Benin City on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, warned that prolonged disruptions could have serious consequences for hospitals, businesses and millions of residents who depend on reliable electricity for their daily activities.

The company’s concerns followed a public warning by Dr. Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, Chief Executive Officer of Sckye Hospital, Akure, Ondo State, about the potential risks electricity disruptions pose to patients who depend on critical medical equipment and life-support systems.

According to BEDC management, the situation goes beyond the company's operational and financial challenges, as electricity supply remains essential to healthcare institutions, educational facilities, security agencies, businesses and government establishments.

The company noted that hospitals require a reliable power supply to support emergency procedures, diagnostic services, intensive care, pharmaceutical preservation and other essential medical operations

It warned that prolonged electricity disruptions could increase pressure on healthcare providers and expose vulnerable patients to additional risks, particularly those whose treatment depends on continuous power supply.

BEDC also expressed concern over reports of increased operating costs for businesses in affected communities and the potential challenges associated with preserving temperature-sensitive medicines, including insulin and vaccines.

The company stressed that public safety, health and welfare should remain central to efforts to resolve the industrial dispute.

While acknowledging the role of labour unions in representing employees and recognising that some staff welfare issues remain outstanding, BEDC said the matters had been receiving attention through engagements and interventions under the current Board and Management, led by Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jonathan Lawani.

The company disclosed that since March 2025, its management had implemented several staff welfare initiatives, including 700 promotions and 833 step increments.

Other measures, according to the statement, included improvements in healthcare and group life insurance, settlement of longstanding exit benefits, long-service recognition for 1,394 employees, as well as investments in specialised technical training and capacity development.

On salary harmonisation, BEDC said discussions had continued through structured engagement, with the aim of developing a remuneration framework that would be fair to employees and financially sustainable for the company.

Management maintained that the initiatives reflected its commitment to improving employee welfare, strengthening industrial harmony and creating better working conditions.

However, the company warned that prolonged disruptions to electricity distribution and revenue collection could weaken its financial capacity to sustain existing welfare programmes, implement further salary improvements and maintain critical electricity infrastructure.

BEDC noted that the consequences of the industrial action extend beyond its operations, affecting customers, healthcare facilities, schools, businesses and communities that rely on its services across the four states.

The company therefore appealed to NUEE leadership and other stakeholders to embrace constructive dialogue and work towards restoring normal electricity operations while outstanding labour issues are addressed through established industrial relations processes.

It also called for special consideration for hospitals, emergency healthcare facilities and other critical public institutions during efforts to resolve the dispute, stressing the importance of maintaining essential services and protecting vulnerable members of the public.

BEDC apologised to customers across its franchise states for the inconvenience and hardship associated with the ongoing disruption, while appreciating their patience and understanding.

The management reaffirmed its commitment to employee welfare, improved industrial relations and the continuation of progress in operational efficiency and service delivery.

The company said protecting lives, safeguarding essential services and achieving a peaceful and sustainable resolution should remain the immediate priorities for all parties involved in the dispute.

The development has drawn attention to the wider implications of industrial disputes in the electricity sector, particularly the dependence of hospitals, businesses and public institutions on stable power supply.

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