By
Edeniyere Abraham Osose
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering reliable, efficient, and sustainable electricity through strategic engagement with key stakeholders in the power sector.
This commitment was reiterated during a courtesy visit by the Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Usenbo, Esq., to the Azura Power Plant, one of Nigeria’s leading power generation facilities.
Speaking during the visit, the Commissioner described Azura Power as a critical national asset, commending its consistent performance despite frequent collapses of the national grid.
He noted that the Edo State Government recognises public-private partnerships as a practical and effective pathway to improving electricity supply at the sub-national level.
Hon. Usenbo explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening existing collaboration while exploring additional opportunities to support stable and improved power supply for residents and businesses across the State.
He disclosed that Edo State has an equity stake of approximately 2.5 per cent in the Azura Power Plant, a reflection of the long-standing partnership between the State Government and the company.
The Commissioner further stated that the State is leveraging recent amendments to the Electricity Act, alongside the domestication of state electricity laws, to drive sector reforms, attract investment, and enhance overall performance. He assured stakeholders of the State Government’s readiness to provide the necessary policy and regulatory support to achieve these objectives.
According to him, the engagement aligns with the broader directive of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to actively engage relevant stakeholders in order to improve electricity supply, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life of Edo residents.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Azura Power, Engr. Edu Okeke, highlighted the company’s long-standing collaboration with the Edo State Government, noting that the State’s equity participation reflects a shared commitment to national development.
He disclosed that Azura Power consistently generates about 460 megawatts of electricity and plays a vital role in stabilising the national grid, particularly during system collapses, when its output is deployed to support grid restoration.
He clarified that while Azura generates electricity, transmission and dispatch are handled by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Engr. Okeke also outlined the company’s strong relationship with its host communities, explaining that although Azura is not licensed to distribute electricity, it has made significant investments in community development. These include the construction of access roads, a health centre, relocation and resettlement support, and the provision of employment opportunities for local residents.
He noted that all unskilled labour at the facility is sourced exclusively from host communities, while qualified indigenes are engaged in skilled roles.
In addition, engineering graduates from host communities are enrolled in the company’s apprenticeship programme and trained as power plant engineers.
Engr. Okeke further revealed that the plant has the capacity to expand generation to 1,500 megawatts, adding that sustained engagement with the Edo State Government would help identify mutually beneficial areas for future collaboration.
As part of its integrated power sector strategy, the Edo State Government has also engaged the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and plans to visit the Ossiomo Independent Power Plant, among other facilities, to strengthen coordination across the power value chain.
The Commissioner led a delegation from the Ministry of Power, including the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Climate Change, Hon. Collin Tenebe; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Dr. Uyiekpen O. Stephen; the Director of Generation, Engr. Richard, and other senior officers of the Ministry.
The visit underscores the Edo State Government’s resolve to collaborate with public and private sector stakeholders to ensure improved and sustainable electricity supply across all local government areas of the State.
