Electricity supply in Edo State will be restored following a peace deal between Governor Okpebholo and labour leaders in Abuja.
Power supply is set to return to Edo State after Governor Monday Okpebholo and leaders of organised labour successfully resolved a tense leadership dispute in Abuja, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
The high-level meeting, which successfully ended the blackout, was convened by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to address the recognition of the Nigeria Labour Congress caretaker committee.
Key stakeholders, including NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, attended the closed-door discussions to restore industrial harmony and bring immediate relief to residents.
High-Level Abuja Meeting Resolves Edo NLC Dispute
The crucial agreement was reached during a mediation session in Abuja involving key government officials and labour leaders, aiming to resolve the impasse over the Nigeria Labour Congress caretaker committee in the region.
Governor Okpebholo announced that the state government would officially recognise the caretaker committee and work closely with labour leaders to arrange a substantive election within the next three to six months.
Comrade Joe Ajaero confirmed the resolution, thanking federal officials and stating that labour had agreed to cooperate with the state administration to address the rights and privileges due to the committee members.
Immediate Restoration of Edo Power Supply
With the primary political and administrative hurdles cleared, the labour unions confirmed that the crippling electricity outage affecting residents across the state would be lifted immediately as normal operations resume.
Minister of Labour and Employment Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi confirmed that the principal issue of electricity is going to be restored immediately, emphasizing the commitment of all parties to peace and progress.
Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole described the initial disagreement as merely a communication gap, noting that the reason for continuing any industrial action no longer existed under the new terms.
Background on the BEDC and Labour Crisis
The severe power outage was triggered by two related but separate disputes involving utility operations, workers' welfare, and local union leadership within the region, creating widespread disruption for citizens.
The first was an industrial disagreement between BEDC Electricity Plc and the National Union of Electricity Employees over critical workers' pay, safety, and general welfare conditions.
The second involved a leadership dispute with the Edo State NLC, led by Joseph Igbafe, centering heavily on the official recognition of its newly appointed caretaker committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was power cut off in Edo State?
Power was cut off due to an industrial dispute between BEDC Electricity Plc and the National Union of Electricity Employees over worker welfare, combined with a leadership dispute involving the Edo State NLC caretaker committee.
Who mediated the agreement between Governor Okpebholo and the NLC?
The agreement was mediated in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, alongside Minister of Labour and Employment Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
When will electricity be restored to Edo State?
Electricity supply is set to be restored immediately following the successful resolution of the labour dispute and the agreement reached by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and Governor Monday Okpebholo.
When will the Edo State NLC election take place?
The Nigeria Labour Congress will conduct a substantive election in Edo State within three to six months, as agreed during the peace talks in Abuja.
