Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Government has awarded a 7-megawatt (MW) mini-grid electricity licence to indigenous renewable energy company, IZENERGY Limited, marking a significant milestone in the state’s drive to expand access to electricity, promote clean energy solutions, and stimulate industrial growth.
The licence was presented by the Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Usenbo, during a ceremony held in Benin City.
Speaking at the event, Usenbo said IZENERGY fulfilled the financial and technical requirements outlined in the Edo State Electricity Law 2025 (as amended), making the company eligible to generate and distribute electricity across the state.
He noted that the approval reflects the government’s commitment to encouraging private sector investment in the power sector and improving reliable electricity supply for residents and businesses.
He reiterated that the government conducted extensive feasibility studies across the three senatorial districts and all 18 local government areas before approving the licence.
The 7MW mini-grid project is expected to serve communities in Edo South, Edo Central and Edo North.
According to the commissioner, the initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to achieve energy sufficiency through a mix of national grid supply, independent power generation and renewable energy solutions.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing adequate, reliable and affordable electricity to residents, stressing that rural electrification remains a key priority through the deployment of renewable energy mini-grids.
Usenbo noted that Edo’s ongoing electricity reforms align with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Edo State Electricity Law, which decentralise electricity generation and distribution to encourage greater private sector participation.
He further disclosed that the government is advancing plans to develop independent power projects of about 100MW in each of the state’s three senatorial districts, while the licensing process for the Edo North Electricity Company is nearing completion.
According to him, the reforms are designed to attract both local and international investors, stimulate economic growth, create jobs and strengthen industrialisation across the state.
“Edo State is open for business. We are creating an enabling environment through policies and reforms that will attract investors and guarantee sufficient, reliable and efficient power supply for our people,” Usenbo said.
Speaking after receiving the licence, the Chief Executive Officer of IZENERGY Limited, Mr. Aibangbee Blessing, said the Edo-based renewable energy company has been in operation for more than five years and relocated part of its operations to the state about three years ago after identifying significant electricity supply gaps.
Blessing disclosed that the company will deploy solar-powered mini-grid systems to provide affordable electricity to homes, hotels, industries and other commercial establishments.
He added that the project is expected to become operational within four to five months, noting that construction had already commenced while the licensing process was ongoing.
According to him, the first phase of the project will generate 1MW of electricity enough to supply between 500 and 1,000 homes.
Also speaking, the company’s Director of Technicals, Engr. Charles Igabor, identified land acquisition and infrastructure protection as key challenges facing the project.
However, he expressed confidence in its success, noting that host communities have demonstrated strong support and will be actively engaged as critical stakeholders to ensure the project’s long term sustainability.
