By Staff Reporter.
Residents and business owners in Edo State continue to grapple with prolonged power outages as the industrial action by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) affecting BEDC Electricity Plc operations remains unresolved, even as the strike has been suspended in Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states.
The development has left Edo as the only state among BEDC’s four franchise states still affected by the industrial dispute, raising concerns over the impact of the blackout on households, businesses and essential services.
In a statement issued in Benin City on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, BEDC said it was engaging peacefully with relevant stakeholders in Edo to resolve the outstanding issues and facilitate the earliest possible restoration of normal operations.
The company also disclosed that efforts were being prioritised to restore operations in Delta, Ondo and Ekiti, adding that electricity supply in the affected states would resume gradually, subject to network conditions and operational requirements.
BEDC acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the disruption and appealed to residents and business owners to remain patient while discussions continued.
The company expressed optimism that ongoing dialogue would lead to a lasting resolution of the industrial dispute.
Residents Lament Prolonged Blackout
Despite the company’s assurances, residents and business owners in Edo have taken to social media to express frustration over the continued power outage, with many lamenting the effects on their daily activities, income and personal welfare.
One resident, expressing frustration over the prolonged blackout, wrote: “Edo is shining in darkness.”
Another resident complained about the difficulty of meeting basic hygiene needs without electricity, saying: “Since on Monday I never bath.”
Others questioned why Edo remained affected when the industrial action had been suspended in the other three states under BEDC’s franchise.
“Why Edo State of the four states, even as they are supposed to be under the same board and management? Wonders they say shall never end,” another commenter wrote.
A frustrated customer also appealed directly to the electricity distribution company, saying: “BEDC abeg, wetin dey happen? Abeg make una give me light.”
Another resident lamented the continued blackout, writing: “Can you imagine, Edo remain in darkness.”
Businesses Count Losses as Blackout Persists
The disruption has also raised concerns among small business owners and residents who depend on electricity to earn a living.
One commenter said the situation was affecting people’s income, adding that access to electricity was necessary to carry out work.
“We’re now begging for water to bath, God ooo, and what’s the governor doing to settle the issue?” another resident asked, expressing frustration over the situation.
The comments reflect growing public discontent over the continued outage and calls for urgent intervention to restore electricity across the state.
While BEDC has expressed confidence that dialogue will resolve the dispute, residents and businesses in Edo continue to await a breakthrough that will bring an end to the blackout.
As the industrial action continues to affect the state, pressure is mounting on the relevant stakeholders to resolve the outstanding issues and restore normal electricity supply as soon as possible.
