Okpebholo’s Strategic Peace Initiative Ends NLC Dispute, BEDC Workers Resume Duty

By Editor

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Edo State Government have reached an agreement to end their prolonged dispute over the recognition of the caretaker committee of the labour organisation in the state, paving the way for the immediate resumption of electricity workers under the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

The agreement was reached on Friday, October 23, 2026, at a meeting brokered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) at his residence.

The meeting was attended by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero; former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole; and the Minister of Labour and Employment.

Under the agreement, the Edo State Government accepted to recognise and work with the NLC caretaker committee as the lawful representative of the Congress in Edo State. The government also agreed to ensure that check-off dues are remitted to the NLC through the appropriate channels.

As part of the peace initiative, Governor Okpebholo requested Ajaero to lead members of the caretaker committee on a courtesy visit to him in Benin City.

The agreement also provides for the immediate reopening of the NLC secretariat in Edo State, which had remained under lock and key amid the dispute. According to the Congress, some individuals who claimed to be acting on behalf of the governor had shut the facility, although the governor reportedly denied knowledge of or consent to their actions.

The NLC said the normal statutory relationship between the state government and the labour organisation would resume with immediate effect.

In a related development, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has directed its members working under BEDC in Edo State to return to their duty posts following the resolution.

In a directive to members, NUEE Vice President, West, Comrade David Ehigiamusoe, said the union had received confirmation from its acting General Secretary that the governor had agreed to recognise the NLC caretaker committee.

“Consequent upon the above development, all members of NUEE in Edo State under BEDC are hereby directed to resume work immediately,” the directive stated.

The union declared the industrial action against Edo State lifted with immediate effect, urging members to remain law-abiding while the union monitors the implementation of the agreement.

The directive is expected to facilitate the restoration of normal operations by electricity workers and improve electricity services disrupted by the industrial action.

The NLC, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Benson Upah, said the dispute arose from what it described as prolonged anti-labour actions by the state government, including alleged interference, intimidation and bullying.

The Congress disclosed that the dispute had prompted it to lodge a complaint against the Edo State Government with the International Labour Organization (ILO), adding that Nigeria was subsequently indicted over the matter.

With the agreement now reached and electricity workers directed to resume duty, attention is expected to shift to the implementation of the commitments made by both parties and the restoration of normal industrial relations in the state.