Precious Anga
Lagos — The Edo State Government has said the 100-megawatt, MW, power project in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area is on course for completion and commissioning before the end of 2026.
The project received a major regulatory boost following the issuance of electricity transmission and distribution licences to CCETC Ogua Energy Limited.
Commissioner for Power, Paul Usenbo, disclosed this in Benin City while presenting the transmission licence certificate to the company.
Usenbo said the project had met key requirements and timelines for its first phase, which was scheduled for completion at the end of July 2026.
He said relevant government agencies had continued to provide technical and regulatory support while ensuring compliance with required standards, assessments and other conditions.
According to the commissioner, work has now shifted to the second and final phase, which is expected to lead to commissioning.
“The expectation is that the developers will complete the remaining phase and proceed to commissioning by the end of 2026,” Usenbo said.
He said most major milestones were expected to be substantially completed by October, provided the project encountered no unforeseen challenges or regulatory delays.
Usenbo, however, said the state government was prepared to extend the deadline if significant challenges affected the project’s delivery.
“If there are any encumbrances or challenges faced by this project, I will give an extension of time,” he said, adding that the commissioning could be shifted to the first quarter of 2027 if necessary.
Despite the possible extension, the commissioner said the government remained confident about the project’s progress, citing the level of work already completed and the ongoing delivery and installation of power-generation equipment.
He said the generation machines being delivered to the site were expected to be installed and made operational within the projected timeframe.
