Edo Government Restores Connection with BEDC Following Power Dispute

The Edo State Government has reconnected to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) after a period of disconnection that arose from a dispute over power supply and billing. The reconnection brings an end to weeks of uncertainty that saw government offices and facilities in parts of Benin City operate without direct access to electricity, relying instead on alternative power sources to continue services.

The dispute, which had attracted significant public attention, was reportedly linked to disagreements over outstanding bills and the quality of electricity supply to government institutions in the state. Officials had earlier accused the distribution company of issuing inflated charges and providing irregular power supply, while BEDC maintained that the state owed arrears that needed to be settled to ensure continuous service.

Following several rounds of negotiations, the Edo government confirmed that it had reached an understanding with BEDC that paved the way for reconnection. According to officials, the resolution was reached after both parties agreed on a framework to address the contentious issues in a fair and sustainable manner. This included a review of billing practices, reconciliation of disputed amounts, and commitments to improve service delivery to government facilities.

Speaking on the development, a senior government representative expressed relief that the reconnection had been achieved, stressing that the dispute had been a distraction from the state’s ongoing development programmes. He assured residents that the government’s priority remained the welfare of the people and that electricity supply to critical state-owned facilities would no longer be interrupted. The official also stated that the government was determined to hold service providers accountable while honouring its own obligations in the interest of maintaining stability.

BEDC also welcomed the resolution, noting that the company was committed to working with the Edo State Government to ensure reliable service. A spokesperson for the distribution company explained that the reconnection was made possible because both sides engaged in constructive dialogue. The company reiterated its appeal for all customers, including government agencies, to meet their payment obligations so that the distribution network can remain sustainable and improvements in service delivery can be achieved.

The dispute had sparked criticism from different quarters, with civil society groups and residents voicing concern about the impact of the shutdown on public services. Some organisations had argued that the disconnection of government offices sent a negative signal to the public and undermined confidence in the state’s ability to manage its affairs. Others noted that the incident highlighted wider issues in Nigeria’s power sector, including the recurring disputes between electricity distribution companies and major institutions over billing and service quality.

Analysts believe the resolution of the Edo-BEDC standoff is significant because it underscores the importance of dialogue and compromise in addressing disputes in the power sector. They point out that prolonged disconnections not only disrupt public services but also erode trust between service providers and government institutions. By choosing negotiation over confrontation, both sides demonstrated a willingness to prioritise the needs of citizens.

Electricity remains a contentious issue across Nigeria, with many states and communities experiencing inconsistent supply and frequent disagreements between consumers and distribution companies. Edo State has not been immune to these challenges, and the recent dispute added another layer of tension to an already fragile sector. The reconnection is therefore expected to provide some relief, particularly for workers in government offices and residents who rely indirectly on services powered by those facilities.

Observers also see the development as a reminder of the need for systemic reforms in the electricity sector. With distribution companies facing financial strain due to mounting debts and customers struggling with irregular billing, disputes such as the one between BEDC and Edo State are likely to persist unless more sustainable solutions are put in place. Stakeholders argue that the federal government, regulators, and state authorities must work together to create an environment that balances the financial health of distribution companies with the rights of consumers to receive fair and reliable service.

For Edo State, the reconnection allows the government to refocus on its broader developmental agenda without the shadow of electricity disputes. Officials have indicated that steps will be taken to ensure that the terms of the resolution are adhered to, thereby preventing a repeat of the shutdown. There are also calls for more transparent communication between BEDC and its customers, including government institutions, to build trust and prevent minor issues from escalating into public standoffs.

Residents in Benin City and other affected areas have expressed cautious optimism about the development. While many welcomed the reconnection, some voiced concerns about whether the underlying problems that caused the dispute had truly been resolved. They urged both the government and BEDC to honour their commitments, stressing that the public should not be made to suffer in the future due to disagreements between service providers and authorities.

The reconnection marks a turning point in the relationship between Edo State and BEDC, at least for now. Both sides appear keen to project a message of cooperation and partnership, recognising that reliable electricity supply is essential not just for government operations but also for economic activity, social stability, and the overall wellbeing of citizens.

As Edo State resumes its normal power connection, attention will now turn to whether the commitments made during the reconciliation process will translate into more consistent and fairer electricity supply in the months ahead. The outcome could serve as a model for other states and distribution companies grappling with similar disputes, offering lessons on how negotiation and compromise can deliver practical solutions in Nigeria’s struggling power sector.