- Edo State has launched a 100MW power plant and LNG facility project in Ologbo to address persistent electricity challenges.
- The initiative aims to stabilise power supply, support industrial growth, and attract investment following recent disruptions linked to Ossiomo Power Plant and BEDC.
Reliable electricity remains critical to Edo State’s economic growth. It powers businesses, government institutions, and households across the state. However, recent developments have raised concerns about supply stability. The shutdown of the Ossiomo Power Plant and ongoing challenges at the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) have disrupted electricity access in many areas.
These issues have increased pressure on the state government to find lasting solutions. As a result, Governor Monday Okpebholo has moved to support new power infrastructure. The governor is facilitating the development of a 100-megawatt power plant and a 300-metric-tonnes-per-day LNG facility in Ologbo. The project aims to strengthen the state’s energy base and support economic growth.
The urgency of the project became clear in September 2025. At that time, the Ossiomo Power Plant went offline due to disputes between its investors and foreign technical partners. The shutdown caused immediate disruptions across Benin City. Offices lost power, while businesses struggled to operate effectively.
The plant had supplied electricity to key government facilities, including the Government House and State Secretariat. Consequently, many residents initially believed the state government controlled its operations.
Officials clarified that Ossiomo was privately owned. The Edo State Government neither owned nor managed the facility. The dispute that caused the shutdown involved investors and technical partners. Therefore, the crisis remained a commercial issue outside government control. The clarification became necessary to protect investor confidence. The state government emphasised its commitment to providing a stable and business-friendly environment.
Despite this, the situation exposed deeper structural issues. Many communities already faced unreliable supply from BEDC before the Ossiomo disruption.
Years of ageing infrastructure and operational inefficiencies have limited BEDC’s performance. As a result, electricity supply remains inconsistent across the state. The impact is widespread. Small businesses rely heavily on generators, while manufacturers incur high energy costs.
Investors also consider power uncertainty before committing resources. Therefore, the state government has prioritised improving electricity supply.
On Monday, March 9, 2026, Governor Okpebholo performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ologbo power project. The facility is located at the Taihu Industrial Park in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) is developing the project. It will generate 100 megawatts of electricity and include an LNG processing facility. The governor said the project will support industrial development. Reliable electricity remains essential for factories, businesses, and communities. The project also aligns with the Federal Government’s economic strategy under President Bola Tinubu. The strategy prioritises energy infrastructure as a driver of growth.
Furthermore, locating the plant within an industrial park offers strategic advantages. Manufacturers will have direct access to stable power supply. This arrangement will reduce reliance on the national grid. It will also improve operational efficiency for businesses.
Local leaders have welcomed the initiative. The Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Eric Osawaru, said the project will create jobs and attract investment. He added that it will promote skills development and economic activity in the area. Residents also expect broader development benefits.
Energy officials highlighted the technical value of the project. The plant will strengthen electricity generation capacity, while the LNG facility will support clean energy use.
Governor Okpebholo said the state must move beyond reacting to power disruptions. Instead, it must build infrastructure for long-term energy stability. The experiences with Ossiomo and BEDC have underscored this need. Dependence on fragile systems cannot support sustained growth.
The Ologbo project represents a step toward securing Edo’s energy future. It aims to improve power supply, reduce generator use, and support economic expansion.
The initiative will enhance the state’s attractiveness to investors. It will also improve living conditions for residents and support long-term development.