The Edo State Government has expressed grave concern regarding the ongoing operational shutdown at the Ossiomo Power Company, warning that the loss of the private utility’s 11-megawatt output has triggered a severe economic and public power crisis across the state.
Speaking during an official press briefing on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Ministry of Power headquarters in Benin City, the Edo State Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Usenbo, addressed the growing public outrage over the blackout, detailing the widespread impact on critical public infrastructure, local businesses, hospitals, and residential areas.
The plant, a 95MW capacity gas-fired facility located in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, previously supplied steady power to major government installations, including the State Secretariat and Government House, as well as industrial parks and commercial hubs before its complete shutdown.
“The effect has been significant,” Commissioner Usenbo stated. “Following the shutdown, the State Government had to reconnect some of its facilities to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), while also dealing with the wider consequences of inadequate electricity supply. Every megawatt that is unavailable has a direct economic consequence.”
The crisis stems from an ongoing ownership dispute between local operator Ossiomo Power and its foreign technical partner, Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology Co. Ltd (CCETC).
While acknowledging public frustration, Usenbo clarified that because Ossiomo Power is a privately owned enterprise, the state cannot legally execute a direct takeover or enforce commercial terms on the warring factions.
Attempts by Ossiomo’s site engineers to reactivate the Independent Power Plant (IPP) II unit in late August 2026 were blocked when irate local youths disrupted engineering crews, harassed visiting civil society groups, and physically barred access to the Ologbo facility.
Ossiomo officials have previously accused local groups of vandalizing 33KV transmission lines and illegally occupying its gas station despite over ₦182 million in corporate social responsibility investments.
Outlining the administration’s plan under Governor Monday Okpebholo, Commissioner Usenbo highlighted four key strategic interventions which involve driving structured negotiations between the disputing commercial parties while maintaining state neutrality.
Upholding contract terms, local content provisions, and legitimate private investments and collaborating with security agencies to prevent community youth or private groups from vandalizing or forcibly occupying power assets.
His intervention will also expand market diversity, by accelerating power sector reforms to grant new generation licenses, preventing reliance on a single provider.
Reaffirming that the government now treats electricity as essential economic infrastructure rather than a basic social amenity, Usenbo urged residents to remain patient while the administration establishes a fully decentralized, dependable power market across Edo State.
