A growing list of private companies in Edo State are connecting to the 95MW Ossiomo Power Plant in Edo State, providing a leeway for the businesses to maintain stable electricity supply to boost their business, increase productivity and contribute to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Ossiomo Power Plant is an electricity generation and distribution company that was birthed as a result of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) sealed between the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government and the private power firm. The power firm provides between 18-24 hours of electricity daily to government establishments, private companies and also powers the state’s government light-up Edo project, which powers streetlights across Benin metropolis.
Some of the businesses connected to Ossiomo Power plant include Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority; Edo Production Centre; the 5500bpd Edo Modular Refinery; Phil Hallmark Supermarkets; Nigeria Observer Premises; NUJ Secretariat and Benin Club and Golf Course, among others. Other businesses in the course of connection to the plant include the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH); Constantial Hotel; Lily Hospitals; Benin Airport and Westview Hotels. The Ossiomo Power Plant also provides dedicated power to the Benin Enterprise Park and some churches in the Benin metropolis.
A lecturer and public analyst at the University of Benin, Mr. Ikponmwosa Nosakare noted that access to electricity remains a major factor in production, adding that the availability of Ossiomo Power plant in Edo State changes the game for businesses operating out of the state.
According to him: “It makes perfect business sense to invest in Edo because there is very little to worry about electricity. This perhaps remains one of the most iconic things the government has done to attract investors to the state. I have no doubt that the project will contribute immensely to boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue and impact on its Gross Domestic Product.”
