Nigeria: Edo Admits Limits as Ossiomo Power Crisis Hits Consumers

Edo State Government has acknowledged that its ability to restore electricity from the troubled Ossiomo Power Company is limited because the plant is privately owned, even as residents and businesses face the loss of about 11 megawatts previously supplied to Benin.

Commissioner for Power Paul Usenbo said the government cannot simply take over the company's facilities or impose a commercial settlement on parties involved in the dispute.

The admission comes as the shutdown has affected government facilities, households, businesses, industries, hospitals and artisans that previously depended on electricity from Ossiomo.

Usenbo said the government understands the frustration of residents who want electricity restored but must act within the law.

“Yes, we are aware of the concerns of the people, and we understand their frustration. ‎Edo people want electricity. They do not want explanations; they want results.”

Government cannot take over private facilities

Before the shutdown, Ossiomo was generating about 11 megawatts and supplying electricity to Edo government offices and residents of Benin.

Its supply also covered small and medium-sized businesses, business owners, industries and several other government facilities.

The loss has already forced the state government to reconnect some of its facilities to BEDC, the Benin Electricity Distribution Company.

Usenbo said the situation has had significant consequences because electricity was being used by different parts of the state's economy.

“The effect has been significant. Ossiomo previously supplied electricity to residents of Edo State, SME, business owners, industries as well as several government facilities.”

The commissioner said the government wants the dispute settled, investment protected and electricity restored to consumers, but said any solution must comply with the law.

“Every megawatt that is unavailable has an economic consequence. The government’s position is clear: we want the dispute resolved, the investment protected and electricity restored to consumers but this must be achieved in accordance with the law,” he said.

The government’s position places the dispute between the private parties at the heart of the problem, with the state unable to impose its own commercial solution.

Usenbo said the government can support dialogue, provide regulatory support and protect lawful investments.

It can also work with security agencies and other relevant authorities to ensure that the law is respected.

August disruption complicates return

The possibility of restoring generation has also faced problems at the company's Ologbo facility.

Usenbo said reports in August 2026 indicated that Ossiomo attempted to resume generation but encountered another disruption by youths at the facility.

He said protecting electricity infrastructure is therefore necessary for generation to continue.

“Thirdly, the security of critical electricity infrastructure must be guaranteed. No community, individual or private interest should be allowed to vandalise or unlawfully take control of power infrastructure.”

The commissioner said the government wants all parties to respect contracts and legitimate investments.

He also said the state would continue to facilitate structured negotiations without taking sides in the private commercial dispute.

Another part of the government's approach is to encourage multiple sources of electricity generation.

Usenbo said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo sees reliable electricity as infrastructure needed for industrialisation, job creation, healthcare, education and better living standards.

The commissioner sympathised with residents and said the government was not complacent.

“Electricity is no longer being treated merely as a social service; we see efficient and reliable electricity as an economic infrastructure and a foundation for industrialization, job creation, healthcare, education and improved living standards.”