BEDC Strike: Edo Youths Urged to Rise Against Company’s Insensitivity, Demand Improve Service

By Reporter

The BEDC industrial dispute also presents an opportunity for the youths of Edo State to reconsider how they respond to economic challenges affecting their lives. Rather than automatically blaming politicians for every hardship, young people should be prepared to question, condemn and peacefully protest against any action by public or private actors that undermines economic activity and threatens their livelihoods.

When electricity disruption forces businesses to close, increases production costs, destroys perishable goods and deprives workers of income, the consequences are borne by ordinary citizens, particularly young people struggling to establish businesses, secure employment and achieve financial independence.

Edo youths should therefore raise their voices against any industrial action or operational shutdown that unnecessarily imposes hardship on the public. If they can organise demonstrations over government policies and political disagreements, they should equally be willing to demand accountability from corporate institutions, labour unions and other interest groups whose actions have far-reaching economic consequences.

The call for action by Edo youths comes against the backdrop that as at Friday, October 23, 2026, the BEDC electricity workers’ strike has been suspended in three states, but Edo State remains the exception, with the management of BEDC engaged in blame passingnand refusal to esolve the dispute and restore normal operations.

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) suspended the industrial action in Delta, Ekiti and Ondo following a conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on October 21. BEDC has refused to restore electricity supply in Edo State.

The call, however, must be directed at the conduct and consequences of the industrial dispute, not at denying workers their legitimate rights. Any protest should be peaceful, lawful and focused on restoring electricity, protecting businesses and ensuring that negotiations produce a lasting settlement.

The argument is straightforward: accountability must be universal. Politicians should answer for their decisions, but corporate management and organised labour must also answer for actions that affect the welfare of the public.

Edo youths should not become instruments in political blame games while ignoring other factors that contribute to their economic difficulties. They should become active defenders of productivity, enterprise and public welfare by demanding responsible conduct from every institution whose decisions affect their future.

The future of Edo’s young people depends not only on what government does, but also on whether businesses can operate, jobs can survive and the economy can function. A generation determined to protect its future must be willing to speak out against economic disruption wherever it occurs, while insisting that disputes be resolved through dialogue, lawful action and respect for the rights of all parties.

Hiding under protracted industrial action should not be accepted from BEDC, especially as the company has a horrible record in poor service delivery in Edo State.