By I fueko Blessing Osayande

The Edo State Government has issued a 7-megawatt (MW) mini-grid electricity license to indigenous investor, IZENERGY Limited, as part of efforts to expand access to electricity, promote renewable energy and drive industrial development across the state.

A statement shared with our correspondent on Monday stated that the license was presented by the Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Usenbo, during a ceremony in Benin City on Friday.

Usenbo said the company met the financial and technical requirements prescribed under the Edo State Electricity Law 2025 (as amended), qualifying it to undertake power generation and distribution projects in the state.

He said the company conducted feasibility studies before the government approved the license, adding that the 7MW project would serve several communities across the state.

According to the commissioner, the initiative aligns with the state government’s vision of achieving energy sufficiency through a combination of national grid supply, independent power generation and renewable energy solutions.

He said the administration remains committed to providing adequate, reliable and affordable electricity for residents, adding that rural electrification remains a priority through the deployment of renewable energy mini-grids.

Usenbo said the state’s electricity reforms are in line with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Edo State Electricity Law, which provide for the decentralization of electricity generation and distribution to encourage private sector participation.

He disclosed that the government is also pursuing plans to develop independent power projects with a combined capacity 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 expected to stimulate investment, create jobs and support industrialization by attracting both local and international investors to the power sector.

“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 and that is why the Edo State Government has issued a 7-megawatt (MW) mini-grid electricity license to indigenous investors, IZENERGY Limited,” he added.

Speaking after receiving the license, the Chief Executive Officer of IZENERGY Limited, Blessing Aibangbee, said the Edo-based renewable energy company had operated for more than five years and relocated part of its operations to Edo State about three years ago after identifying significant electricity supply gaps.

Aibangbee said the company would deploy solar-powered mini-grid systems to provide affordable electricity to homes, hotels, industries and other businesses.

He disclosed that the project is expected to become operational within four to five months, noting that work had already commenced while the licensing process was underway.

According to him, the first phase of the project will deliver 1MW of electricity, enough to supply between 500 and 1,000 homes.

Also speaking, the company’s Director of Technical Services, Charles Igabor, identified land acquisition and infrastructure protection as some of the challenges facing the project. He, however, said host communities had expressed support and would be actively engaged as stakeholders to ensure the success and sustainability of the initiative.