The Edo State Government has issued a 7-megawatt (MW) mini-grid electricity licence to indigenous energy company, IZENERGY Limited, as part of efforts to expand electricity access, promote renewable energy and drive industrial development across the state.
The licence was presented by the Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Usenbo, during a ceremony in Benin City on Friday, according to a statement released on Monday.
Usenbo said IZENERGY Limited met the financial and technical requirements stipulated under the Edo State Electricity Law 2025 (as amended), qualifying the company to undertake electricity generation and distribution projects in the state.
He explained that the company carried out the required feasibility studies before the government approved the licence, adding that the 7MW mini-grid project will provide electricity to several communities across Edo State.
According to the commissioner, the project aligns with the state government’s vision of achieving energy sufficiency through a mix of national grid supply, independent power generation and renewable energy solutions.
He said the administration remains committed to providing reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity for residents, with rural electrification remaining a key priority through the deployment of renewable energy mini-grids.
Usenbo added that the state’s electricity reforms are in line with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Edo State Electricity Law, which encourage decentralised electricity generation and distribution to attract private sector investment.
He further disclosed that the government is 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 accelerate industrialisation 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. That is why the Edo State Government has issued a 7-megawatt (MW) mini-grid electricity licence to indigenous investor, IZENERGY Limited,” Usenbo said.
Speaking after receiving the licence, the Chief Executive Officer of IZENERGY Limited, Blessing Aibangbee, said the Edo-based renewable energy company has 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 will deploy solar-powered mini-grid systems to provide affordable electricity to homes, hotels, industries and other businesses across the state.
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 ongoing.
According to him, the first phase of the project will generate 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 major challenges facing the project. He, however, said host communities have expressed support and will be actively engaged to ensure the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the initiative.
