By Wasila Yakubu
The Edo State Government is stepping up efforts to attract private capital into electricity generation and distribution, with plans for new power projects and regulatory reforms aimed at improving supply to homes, businesses and industries.
The state Commissioner for Power, Paul Usenbo, said the government was pursuing a series of investments, including a proposed 100-megawatt power plant in Ologbo and a separate 200MW independent power project planned for Edo North.
A major part of the Ologbo investment plan is the state government's acquisition of a 10 per cent equity interest in the proposed power plant, following negotiations involving CCETC and First Bank.
Usenbo described the arrangement as an important step towards making the state an active participant in electricity generation, with potential benefits including regular revenue, employment opportunities and improved energy supply for commercial and industrial activities.
The Ologbo development also features a proposed liquefied natural gas facility with a processing capacity of 300 tonnes daily. Governor Monday Okpebholo performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project in February 2026.
According to the commissioner, the government is also exploring smaller-scale power generation and renewable energy investments to extend electricity access across Edo's three senatorial districts.
He said the initiatives formed part of broader changes introduced under Okpebholo, who is marking his second year in office, as the administration seeks to create a more attractive environment for private operators.
A key development has been the implementation of the Edo State Electricity Law 2024, which Okpebholo signed in February 2025. The legislation provides the legal framework for private companies to participate in electricity generation, transmission and distribution within the state.
The government has also established the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission following the transfer of regulatory responsibilities from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to the state.
Usenbo disclosed that 12 companies had obtained licences to operate in the state's electricity market. They include CCETC Ogua Energy Limited, GTL Power Limited, IZ Energy, Etin Power Limited, Edo North Electricity Limited, Mid-Western Bulk Electricity Company Limited and Tetracore Power Company Limited.
Others are Victoria Power and Infrastructure, New Hampshire Capital Limited, Hydra Energy Solutions Limited, Nigeria Bottling Company Limited and Halimatu Musa Hospital Limited.
The commissioner added that BEDC Electricity Edo Limited had received a six-month provisional operating licence from the state regulator. He said the approval was subject to requirements covering regulatory compliance, transparency, accountability and consumer protection.
On efforts to improve electricity metering, Usenbo said more than 30,000 meters had been deployed under the state's mass metering programme, while over 38,000 additional units had been allocated to Edo under the first phase of the free metering initiative.
He said plans were also underway to establish a meter assembly plant through a private-sector partnership.
The government is further pursuing a debulking programme designed to move communities away from collective electricity billing and ensure that individual customers receive separate accounts.
Usenbo maintained that the combination of private investment, expanded generation capacity, improved regulation and metering would help strengthen the state's electricity market and support economic activities.
However, the impact of the initiatives will ultimately depend on the completion of the proposed projects and their ability to deliver more dependable electricity to residents and businesses across Edo State.
Wasila Yakubu
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