The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to dismantle what he described as the monopolistic grip of Benin Electricity Distribution Plc (BEDC), assuring residents of a fairer and more reliable power distribution system.

The governor made the declaration during a stopover at the take-off point of a protest tagged “Mass Action Against BEDC Oppression,” organised by a civic coalition in Benin City.

Addressing protesters, Okpebholo stressed that introducing more investors into the electricity distribution chain—similar to the model adopted in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry—would enhance efficiency and service delivery. According to him, healthy competition among operators would compel companies to improve performance and customer satisfaction.

“The only way to address this challenge is to open up the distribution space to more stakeholders. We are determined to break this monopoly. It cannot remain in the hands of a single entity,” he said.

He revealed that a stakeholders’ meeting had been scheduled at the Government House to deliberate on strategies for attracting additional investors into the power distribution sector in the state. The governor expressed optimism that diversifying operators would ultimately guarantee improved electricity supply for residents.

Okpebholo, who declared his solidarity with the demonstrators, acknowledged widespread dissatisfaction over alleged overbilling and inadequate service. He admitted that citizens across the state—both in rural communities and urban centres—were being unfairly treated.

“When it comes to short-changing the people of Edo, it affects all of us—our families in the villages and those in the cities alike. That is why I am here to stand with you,” he stated.

He urged the protesters to nominate representatives to participate in the upcoming stakeholder meeting, assuring them that their concerns would be tabled and addressed.

Earlier, the President of the Network of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (NOCSON), Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, lamented that residents were weary of paying exorbitant bills for what he described as “darkness instead of light.” He maintained that Edo people should not be subjected to persistent overbilling and poor service, calling on BEDC to justify its mandate through improved performance.