By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – LEVERAGING on the decentralization of the power sector through the Electricity Act of 2023,:, the Edo State Government and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) have agreed to work together to expand electricity supply across the state by improving power generation and distribution to residents, businesses and industries.

The collaboration was discussed during a meeting between the Edo State Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Usenbo; the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Shittu Shaibu; and an NDPHC delegation led by its Executive Director, Strategy and Commercials, Hon. Patrick Obayangbon.

Discussions focused on addressing regulatory bottlenecks, strengthening cooperation and exploring opportunities to utilise NDPHC’s power assets to meet Edo State’s growing electricity needs.

Speaking during the meeting, Usenbo expressed delight at NDPHC’s interest in partnering with the state, describing the engagement as an opportunity to develop a more effective and inclusive electricity ecosystem.

He stressed the need for “legislative and regulatory reforms that would enable subnational governments to take full advantage of the decentralisation of the power sector and create an enabling environment for improved electricity services.”

The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to implementing necessary reforms and strengthening existing legislative frameworks to support the development of the electricity market.

He also welcomed the involvement of the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission and other relevant stakeholders, noting that closer cooperation would help address the state’s power challenges and meet increasing electricity demand.

In his remarks, Shaibu said the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission which was inaugurated by the state governor on August 27, 2026, to oversee and regulate electricity activities within the state, operates under the Electricity Act 2023 and the Edo State Electricity Law 2025, which provided the legal framework for regulating the state’s electricity market.

Shaibu disclosed that through Order O01, which empowers it to regulate electricity activities within the state, the commission had licensed BEDC Electricity Edo Limited, a subsidiary responsible for electricity distribution in Edo, and had begun registering and issuing permits to captive power generators, including Presco Limited, Dangote Cement and about 20 other companies transferred from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

The commission chairman further revealed that Order O02 required all Band A electricity customers in Edo State to be metered by October 31, 2026 while customers on Band A who remain unmetered from November 1, 2026, would be billed under Band C, in line with the commission’s directive to the distribution company.

On his part, Obayangbon, described collaboration between federal and state governments as essential to achieving the objectives of the 2023 electricity reform.

He said the visit was aimed at “strengthening cooperation following the decentralisation of the electricity market” adding that “the meeting was fruitful and had improved understanding between both parties, with a renewed commitment to work together for the benefit of Edo residents and Nigerians.”

Similarly, Professor Steven Ogaji, NDPHC’s General Manager of Commercial and Business Development, said Edo State was strategically positioned to benefit from the reforms because of the presence of a major power plant in Benin City with an installed capacity of 450 megawatts.

He explained that NDPHC was engaging with the state’s electricity regulator to establish arrangements through which licensed electricity providers could access power generated by the company and distribute it to consumers across the state.