The Edo State Government has issued a 7-megawatt (MW) mini-grid electricity licence to indigenous renewable energy firm, IZENERGY Limited, as part of efforts to improve electricity supply, expand renewable energy and accelerate industrial development across the state.
The licence was presented by the Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Usenbo, during a ceremony in Benin City. He said the company met all the financial and technical requirements under the Edo State Electricity Law 2025 (as amended), following the successful completion of feasibility studies for the project. According to him, the 7MW mini-grid will provide electricity to several communities and support the government’s vision of achieving energy sufficiency through a mix of national grid supply, independent power generation and renewable energy solutions.
Usenbo said the state remains committed to delivering reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity, particularly to underserved communities through renewable energy mini-grids. He added that the government’s electricity reforms, in line with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Edo State Electricity Law, are designed to encourage private sector investment, create jobs and promote industrialisation. He also disclosed plans to develop independent power projects with a combined capacity of about 100MW in each of the state’s three senatorial districts.
Speaking after receiving the licence, the Chief Executive Officer of IZENERGY Limited, Blessing Aibangbee, said the company relocated part of its operations to Edo State after identifying major electricity supply gaps. He explained that the firm would deploy solar-powered mini-grid systems to provide affordable electricity to homes, hotels, industries and other businesses. Aibangbee said the project is expected to commence operations within four to five months, with the first phase generating 1MW of electricity to serve between 500 and 1,000 homes.
