The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has approved a comprehensive salary increment for its entire workforce, following a successful collective bargaining agreement with recognised labour unions, with the new pay structure taking effect from December 1.
This development was communicated through an official press statement released by the management of the power distribution utility in Benin City on Sunday. The accord was reached during a formal session held on November 6 between the corporate leadership and representatives of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) alongside the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC).
What led to the wage agreement?
The high-level negotiations were spearheaded by BEDC’s Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jonathan Lawani. On the labour front, SSAEAC was represented by its Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Innocent Lord- Douglas, while NUEE was represented by Comrade Mbang Ntukubes, marking the conclusion of talks that originally commenced in March.
Reflecting on the outcome, Lawani noted that the successful wrap-up of the joint review process highlighted the administration's dedication to boosting employee welfare and enhancing operational productivity across the board.
“The successful conclusion of this joint negotiation and review process reflects our shared commitment to staff welfare and the overall performance of BEDC,” Lawani stated.
What was the management's position on previous strikes?
Despite the positive resolution, the BEDC chief described the recent industrial action staged by workers as entirely avoidable. He pointed out that the work stoppage triggered significant revenue losses, caused reputational setbacks, and brought unnecessary hardship to electricity consumers within their franchise states.
Lawani expressed displeasure that the strike action took place ahead of the mutually agreed deadline for concluding the talks, a timeline that had been firmly reiterated during a previous stakeholders' meeting on October 7.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the company's approved operational expenditure framework has remained largely static since 2013, despite ongoing inflationary pressures, surging operational expenses, and current macroeconomic challenges in Nigeria. According to him, accessing the firm's complete approved operational expenditure allocation is strictly tied to achieving specific collection performance thresholds, with revenue shortfalls leading to proportional cuts in available funds.
Management emphasized that this financial reality underscores the delicate balance required between satisfying employee demands and maintaining long-term corporate viability.
In conclusion, BEDC commended the leadership teams of both NUEE and SSAEAC for maintaining a cooperative posture and engaging constructively to achieve a peaceful settlement. The utility firm reiterated its dedication to openness, mutual trust, and industrial peace, viewing personnel development as a cornerstone of its ongoing corporate transformation strategy.