Residents of Benin City took to the streets on Monday, the 2nd of March, 2026, to protest prolonged power outages and the billing methods of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company.
The demonstrators converged at Ring Road, a busy area in the state capital, before moving through major roads with placards that read, “We say no to BEDC oppression,” “No light, no bill,” and “Edo people say no to bulk billing.”
Governor Monday Okpebholo appeared at the protest ground and stood with the crowd in support.
Participants complained about repeated blackouts, estimated billing, and what they described as the high price of prepaid meters.
Speaking for the group, Ogbidi Emmanuel said people across the state felt pushed to act over what he called “oppressive practices” by the electricity firm.
“We pay for light, and they give us darkness,” he said, as he questioned the openness of the company’s free meter distribution scheme.
He asked the firm to make public the list of beneficiaries, adding that prepaid meters were said to cost between N150,000 and N400,000.
Addressing the gathering, Okpebholo called for restraint and assured residents that discussions would begin immediately.
“We need to engage them to see how we can bring in more investors into the business of electricity distribution.
“Once that is done, we will all be more assured of stable power. Let us remain calm and allow the engagement to take place,” the governor appealed.
The governor explained that the distribution company is privately run and not under direct state control, but said steps would be taken to respond to public complaints.
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He disclosed that a meeting with key stakeholders had been scheduled for Tuesday and asked the protesters to nominate five representatives.
“I was just passing by and saw people gathered here at Ring Road. I stopped to find out what the issue was, and they said you were protesting.
“I said, yes, we are all youths, and I have come to join you. The only way we can fight this is to bring new investors into the business of distribution.
“We will break the monopoly. We want to operate like the telecom sector, where you have alternatives. Bringing in more investors will give our people options,” he said.
Security personnel monitored the protest, which ended without violence after the governor’s remarks.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benin Electricity Distribution Company had yet to release an official statement on the matter.