Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The long-awaited 100-megawatt (MW) power project in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State has received a significant boost following the issuance of transmission and distribution licences to CCETC Ogua Energy Limited, clearing a major regulatory hurdle for the project.
The Edo State Government said it is confident that the power plant will be completed and commissioned before the end of 2026, provided the remaining phase of the project is executed as scheduled.
The development is expected to strengthen the state’s electricity supply, support economic activities and improve access to reliable power for businesses and residents.
The Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Usenbo, gave the assurance in Benin City while presenting the certificate of licence for electricity transmission to the company.
Usenbo said the project had successfully met the key prerequisites and timelines for its first phase, which was scheduled for completion at the end of July 2026.
According to him, relevant government authorities have continued to provide technical guidance and regulatory support while ensuring that the project developers comply with required standards, assessments and other regulatory conditions.
He said with the successful completion of the first phase, attention had now shifted to the second and final phase, which is expected to pave the way for commissioning.
“The expectation is that the developers will complete the remaining phase and proceed to commissioning by the end of 2026,” the commissioner said.
Usenbo disclosed that most of the major milestones associated with the project were expected to be substantially achieved by October 2026, provided there were no unforeseen challenges or regulatory encumbrances.
He, however, assured the developers that the state government would consider an extension of the timeline if significant challenges affected the completion schedule.
“If there are any encumbrances or challenges faced by this project, I will give an extension of time,” he said, adding that the completion timeline could be moved to the first quarter of 2027 if necessary.
Despite the possibility of an extension, the commissioner said the government remained optimistic about the project’s progress, citing the level of work already completed at the site and the ongoing arrival and installation of power-generation equipment.
He expressed confidence that the generation machines being delivered to the project site would be installed and made operational within the projected timeframe.
