Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced that his administration is putting modalities in place to decentralise power, improve efficiency, and free residents from dependence on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company. The governor spoke at the 52nd Annual Convention of the Uromi Community Association of Nigeria held in Iromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.
According to Okpebholo, the issue of electricity has become a major challenge for Edo people following the epileptic power supply from BEDC, which has negatively affected businesses across the state. “The issue of electricity is very important because it has become a problem for us as a people. We flagged off 100MW of power in Benin City, we will also have 100MW here too. The inauguration of 100MW of power in Edo Central will enable us to decentralise the power sector and ensure our people in Afemai and Edo Central enjoy electricity,” he added.
From an economic perspective, the governor’s push for decentralisation reflects a growing recognition that waiting for the national grid to deliver reliable power is no longer viable for states seeking to attract investment and support local businesses. The national grid has experienced multiple collapses in recent years, and distribution companies have struggled with technical and commercial losses that limit their ability to supply quality power. States that develop their own power generation and distribution capacity can bypass these constraints, offering businesses a more reliable operating environment.
The 100MW power projects, if successfully implemented, could transform the economic landscape of Edo State. Small and medium enterprises that currently rely on expensive diesel generators would see reduced operating costs. Manufacturers could operate longer hours and more predictably. New industries that require reliable power might be attracted to the state. The decentralisation model also allows for the use of local energy sources, including gas, solar, and hydro, depending on what is most available and cost effective in each region.
The governor’s announcement also carries political significance. The BEDC has been a target of customer complaints for years, with businesses and households alleging estimated billing, poor customer service, and inadequate supply. By positioning his administration as offering an alternative, Okpebholo taps into widespread frustration and offers a tangible solution. However, the success of the initiative will depend on execution, including securing power purchase agreements, building distribution infrastructure, and ensuring that tariffs are affordable while still covering costs.
Earlier, the Ojuromi of Uromi, HRH Anselm Edenojie II, drew the governor’s attention to some of the challenges facing the area, including the abandonment of the Ahojie Township Stadium. The traditional ruler’s intervention underscores the range of infrastructure deficits facing communities in Edo State, from power to sports facilities. As the governor pursues his power decentralisation agenda, he will need to balance competing demands for limited state resources.
