Edo Governor Okpebholo Targets BEDC Monopoly in Protests

Edo State Governor Senator Mondai Okpebholo declared his intention to attract new investors to the electricity distribution sector in Edo State to break the monopoly held by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). This announcement came as he joined youth and residents protesting against persistent power outages and high estimated billing practices in Benin City.

Okpebholo emphasized the need for solutions to the ongoing electricity challenges and noted that the state government does not directly control BEDC, which is privately owned. He assured residents that concrete steps would be taken to address their concerns and announced a stakeholders meeting scheduled for Tuesday, where five representatives would participate to discuss solutions.

The protest was described by Ogbidi Emmanuel, a resident, as a response to oppressive practices by the distribution company, which has been criticized for its management of power supply and prepaid meter distribution.