BENIN CITY — Edo State is positioning itself for a new phase of industrial and economic growth as the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo intensifies efforts to attract private investment through improved security, infrastructure and access to reliable electricity.
At Ologbo in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, a 100-megawatt (MW) natural-gas-powered electricity project and industrial park being developed by CCETC are emerging as key components of the state government’s drive to expand productive activities and create employment.
The project, formally launched in February 2026, comprises a 100MW gas-fired power generation facility and an accompanying industrial park designed to support industrial and commercial activities.
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has described the development as part of broader efforts to promote manufacturing, employment and sustainable economic growth in Edo State. The state government has similarly identified the project as an important component of its strategy to improve energy security and accelerate industrial expansion.
Project Coordinator, CCETC, Jiang Fan, said the company was working closely with the Edo State Government to deliver the project, noting that substantial progress had already been made.
“I am in charge of this project and this is our 100 megawatts of power generation and also an industrial park,” Fan said.
According to him, most of the generating equipment has arrived at the site, while installation is already substantially advanced.
He explained that the facility would use natural gas to generate electricity, with individual generating units rated at 2.3MW and a combined generation target of 100MW.
Fan said about 90 per cent of the foundation work had been completed, while overall project execution had reached roughly 50 per cent.
He also disclosed that the project had obtained the required generation and distribution licences, with the remaining activities focused on final preparations ahead of electricity generation and distribution.
The planned distribution network, he said, would initially cover six local government areas, with the possibility of extending electricity supply to additional parts of the state.
Fan stressed that dependable electricity would have a significant economic impact by improving the operating environment for businesses and strengthening Edo’s appeal to investors.
“This is meaningful to businesses and investors in the state,” he said, noting that the industrial park, alongside existing investments in the area, could create further opportunities for investment and employment.
Jobs and Local Economic Opportunities
Beyond electricity generation, the project is expected to increase local participation in economic activities.
Fan said construction work was already providing employment for residents, while the development and expansion of the industrial park would create additional opportunities for people living in Ologbo and surrounding communities.
“With a lot of investment and our industrial park started, more opportunities will be available for the local indigenes to work,” he said.
For Governor Okpebholo, the Ologbo project forms part of a broader economic strategy focused on creating conditions that encourage private-sector investment.
The administration has linked improvements in infrastructure, security and electricity supply to its efforts to make Edo more attractive to businesses and investors, while also ensuring that the state and its residents participate in the long-term economic benefits of major infrastructure investments.
Residents Welcome Development
Residents of Ologbo have also expressed optimism about the potential impact of the project on the community.
A local laundry operator, Mr Imowo Iyip, described the development as “a welcome development,” recalling the prolonged electricity challenges experienced by residents over the years.
Pastor Friday Johnson, who said he had lived in the area for more than two decades, also recalled periods when residents relied heavily on generators for electricity. He said recent improvements had provided some relief.
Another resident, Mr Udok Uwen, described the project as “a very good development” for Ologbo and neighbouring communities.
As work progresses on the power plant and industrial park, the Ologbo development is becoming part of Edo State’s wider effort to connect infrastructure investment with industrial production, private capital and job creation.
If completed as planned, the project could provide a stronger electricity base for businesses operating within the industrial park and surrounding areas, while creating opportunities for further investment and local employment.
For Edo, the broader objective is clear: build an environment where businesses can operate more efficiently, industries can access dependable power, investors can commit capital and residents can benefit from new economic opportunities.
