Follow Us on Google
From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
BEDC Electricity Plc has said it has approved salary increases for all its employees following the successful conclusion of negotiations with two recognised labour unions.
The agreement, reached on November 6, 2026, between BEDC management, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), provides for consequential salary adjustments effective December 1, 2026.
The negotiations were led by BEDC’s Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, alongside representatives of the two unions.
SSAEAC was represented by its Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Dr Innocent Lord-Douglas, while Comrade Mbang Ntukubes represented NUEE.
Speaking on the outcome, Lawani said the successful conclusion of negotiations, which began in March 2026, demonstrated management’s commitment to improving staff welfare and strengthening the company’s overall performance.
He said: “The successful conclusion of this joint negotiation and review process reflects our shared commitment to staff welfare and the overall performance of BEDC.”
However, the BEDC boss described the recent industrial action by workers as avoidable, noting that it resulted in revenue losses, reputational damage and hardship for electricity consumers.
Other News
He expressed regret that the industrial action took place before the agreed date for concluding negotiations, which was reaffirmed at the October 7 meeting.
Providing further insight into the company’s financial position, Lawani explained that BEDC’s approved operational expenditure framework had remained largely unchanged since 2013, despite rising operating costs and prevailing economic realities.
He noted that access to the company’s full approved operational expenditure allocation was tied to meeting prescribed collection performance thresholds, adding that failure to meet the requirements resulted in reduced allocations.
According to management, the explanation underscores the financial constraints confronting the company and the need to strike a balance between employees’ welfare and business sustainability.
BEDC commended the leadership of NUEE and SSAEAC for their cooperation, understanding and constructive engagement, which contributed to the amicable resolution of the negotiations.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, mutual respect and industrial harmony, describing employee welfare as a key pillar of its ongoing transformation agenda.
It added that the agreement represented another important milestone in strengthening trust, collaboration and shared responsibility between management and organised labour.
