The Edo State Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress have reached an agreement to resolve their leadership dispute, paving the way for electricity restoration across the state.
According to Channels Television, the agreement followed a closed-door meeting in Abuja involving Governor Monday Okpebholo and senior labour officials.
The meeting was convened by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to resolve disagreements affecting electricity supply.
Other participants included NLC President Joe Ajaero, Labour Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi and former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
Edo government agrees to recognise NLC committee
Speaking after the meeting, Okpebholo confirmed that the government had agreed to recognise the NLC caretaker committee in Edo State.
“There is no issue actually, and we have resolved the issues that border the NLC caretaker committee in Edo,” he said.
The governor explained that both parties would cooperate in organising an election to establish substantive leadership for the labour organisation.
Ajaero also confirmed the agreement, thanking officials who participated in the negotiations.
“Consequently, power will be restored in Edo,” the labour leader said.
Oshiomhole described the disagreement as a communication gap that had now been resolved.
He maintained that continued industrial action was unnecessary following the understanding reached between both parties.
Labour minister confirms electricity restoration plans
Dingyadi explained that the NLC would organise a substantive election in Edo State within three to six months.
He also confirmed that electricity restoration would commence following the settlement.
The power disruption followed two separate disagreements involving organised labour and electricity sector stakeholders.
One involved the Benin Electricity Distribution Company and the National Union of Electricity Employees over workers’ welfare.
The second concerned the Edo Government’s recognition of the NLC caretaker committee.
The settlement is expected to ease electricity disruptions affecting households, businesses and public institutions.
Government representatives and labour officials pledged to maintain dialogue and strengthen cooperation to prevent future disagreements.
