By Edeniyere Abraham Osose
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has secured a 10 per cent equity stake for the state in a proposed 100-megawatt (100MW) power plant, a landmark move aimed at strengthening Edo’s electricity sector, boosting economic growth and ensuring long-term returns on government-backed energy investments.
The initiative, driven by the Edo State Ministry of Power, forms part of the Okpebholo administration’s broader strategy to modernise the state’s energy infrastructure, attract private sector investment and expand access to reliable electricity.
Governor Okpebholo disclosed the development while receiving the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of CCETC, Mr. Di Xiaohui, alongside their delegations at Government House, Benin City.
The governor said the state insisted on acquiring an ownership stake in the project to ensure Edo benefits beyond providing land for the power plant.
“We cannot simply provide land for the project without becoming part owners. That is why we negotiated a 10 per cent equity stake, and that is the agreement we are signing today,” he said.
Describing the deal as a win-win for the state, Okpebholo said the project would not only improve electricity supply but also generate revenue for the government and create employment opportunities for Edo youths.
“We will have reliable electricity, the state will earn income from its investment, and our young people will benefit from the jobs that the project will create. This is a major step forward for Edo State,” the governor added.
He noted that the investment aligns with his administration’s vision of building a resilient and investor-friendly electricity sector capable of supporting industrialisation, improving power access and driving sustainable socio-economic development across the state.
As part of plans to deepen power reforms, Governor Okpebholo also announced that his administration would establish additional power plants in Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts to decentralise electricity generation, improve energy access and stimulate industrial development across the state.
Speaking on the government’s power sector agenda, the Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul E. Usenbo, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to expanding electricity infrastructure, strengthening the regulatory framework and encouraging greater private sector participation in the energy sector.
Usenbo said one of the ministry’s flagship initiatives, the Edo Mass Metering Programme (EMMP), is designed to eliminate estimated billing, promote transparency and ensure consumers pay only for the electricity they use.
He disclosed that the programme has also led to the establishment of the Edo State Metering Assembly, which is expected to commence operations in the last quarter of 2026.
The commissioner added that the ministry is simultaneously advancing rural electrification projects, promoting renewable and clean energy solutions, and forging strategic partnerships with investors and development partners to accelerate the expansion of electricity infrastructure across Edo State.
According to him, the proposed 100MW power plant expected to commence operations in November 2026 will be among the first major investments realised under the Okpebholo administration’s power sector reform agenda.
He said the project is expected to significantly improve electricity supply, stimulate economic activities, attract new investments and create employment opportunities for residents.
The proposed power plant and other ongoing initiatives, Usenbo noted, reflect the Edo State Government’s commitment to implementing forward-looking energy policies that will modernise electricity infrastructure, expand access to reliable power and position Edo as a leading destination for investment and industrial growth.
