Ossiomo Power has concluded an agreement with the Benin Owena River Basin Authority for the supply of electricity to the authority’s facilities.
The Edo State Government has expressed concern over the continued shutdown of the Ossiomo Power plant, saying the development has negatively affected business and commercial activities across the state.
BusinessDay recalls that the power plant was shut down in September 2025 amid an ownership crisis involving its Chinese partner, Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology Company Limited (CCETC).
Paul Usenbo, commissioner for Power in Edo State, described the impact of the prolonged absence of Ossiomo Power from government facilities and the wider economy as significant.
Usenbo stated this while speaking with newsmen in Benin City.
He said the power plant had, in previous years, contributed to economic growth and development in the state, particularly by supplying electricity to state-owned institutions, media organisations, private businesses and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
According to him, the role previously played by the company in supplying electricity to government facilities and businesses could not be overemphasised.
“The effect of the Ossiomo Power plant has been significant. Ossiomo previously supplied electricity to residents of Edo State, SMEs, business owners, industries, as well as several government facilities.
Read also: How Ologbo youths allegedly became entangled in Ossiomo Power, CCETC dispute
“Following the shutdown, the state government had to reconnect some of its facilities to BEDC, while also dealing with the wider consequences of inadequate electricity supply.
“The information I gathered was that the company had been generating about 11MW before the shutdown.
“This concerns us, and the impact on businesses, industries, hospitals, artisans, households and the overall economy draws the attention of the government, which has indeed focused on proffering solutions to these issues. Every megawatt that is unavailable has an economic consequence,” he said.
Usenbo sympathised with Edo residents over the situation, assuring them that the government was not complacent about the challenges arising from the prolonged shutdown.
“Electricity is no longer being treated merely as a social service; we see efficient and reliable electricity as economic infrastructure and a foundation for industrialisation, job creation, healthcare, education and improved living standards,” he stated.
The commissioner, however, said the government wanted the dispute between the parties involved to be resolved to protect the investment and restore electricity supply to consumers.
He stressed that any resolution must be achieved in accordance with the law.
Read also: Ownership tussle deepens as Ossiomo Power threatens contempt proceedings against CCETC
While acknowledging the concerns of residents, Usenbo said the government was aware that people were unhappy with the inability of Ossiomo Power to continue supplying electricity.
“The state government is aware of the concerns of the people, and we understand their frustration. Edo people want electricity. They do not want explanations; they want results,” he added.
The commissioner explained that the state government does not own or operate Ossiomo Power Company and therefore cannot simply take over a private company’s facilities or impose a commercial settlement on parties involved in a dispute.
He said the government could only facilitate dialogue, provide regulatory support, protect lawful investments and work with security agencies and other relevant authorities to ensure that the rule of law prevails.
Usenbo further disclosed that in August 2026, there were reports that Ossiomo Power had attempted to resume generation but encountered further disruption allegedly caused by youths at its Ologbo facility.
He said ending the crisis required all parties to respect the rule of law, sanctity of contracts and legitimate investments.
On measures being considered by the state government, the commissioner said the government would continue to facilitate structured negotiations between the parties without taking sides in the private commercial dispute.
He said the security of critical electricity infrastructure must also be guaranteed.
“No community, individual or private interest should be allowed to vandalise or unlawfully take control of power infrastructure,” he stated.
Usenbo added that the state government would continue to encourage multiple sources of electricity generation, noting that the reforms being undertaken in Edo were designed to permanently transform the sector.
“We therefore ask Edo people to remain patient but also to hold us accountable. Our destination is an Edo State where reliable electricity is available to homes, businesses, industries and public institutions, not as a promise, but as a dependable service.
“The Governor Monday Okpebholo administration’s commitment is to continue to work until Edo has the electricity required to power its economic transformation,” he said.
