EDO GOVT LAUNCHES 100MW POWER PLANT AND LNG FACILITY TO BOOST INDUSTRIALISATION

The industrialization agenda of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has received a major boost with the commencement of construction of a 100-megawatt power plant and a 300-metric-tonnes-per-day Liquefied Natural Gas facility at the Taihu Industrial Park in Ologbo Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.

The strategic energy projects, being developed by Taihu Industry Park Ologbo Company Limited, a subsidiary of the China Clean Energy Technology Company, are expected to significantly enhance energy supply, stimulate industrial activities and strengthen the state’s growing reputation as a destination for investment and manufacturing.

At the groundbreaking ceremony held on Monday, March 9, 2026, Governor Okpebholo described the project as a significant step toward strengthening the state’s industrial base, improving energy security and accelerating economic transformation. He emphasized that his administration has deliberately pursued policies that create an enabling environment for investors, noting that the state is focused on attracting genuine investments capable of delivering long-term prosperity.

Okpebholo noted that rather than relying on symbolic agreements, his government is focused on projects that comply fully with the law and translate directly into tangible development outcomes. The governor also linked the initiative to the economic vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that reliable electricity remains the backbone of industrialization and a critical driver of economic expansion.

“With this power plant, we are creating an environment-friendly ecosystem for manufacturing, job creation and sustainable economic growth in Edo State,” he said.

Okpebholo urged the host community to continue demonstrating the hospitality for which the area is known, stressing that peaceful coexistence between investors and local communities remains essential for long-term development. He assured investors that the Edo State Government would continue to protect investments and provide the enabling conditions needed for businesses to thrive.

The Managing Director of Taihu Industry Park Ologbo Company Limited, Jiang Fan, said the projects represent a major milestone that will drive economic development and support Edo State’s expanding industrial ecosystem. According to him, the power plant and LNG facility are designed to energize industries within the park, extend energy access to surrounding communities and contribute to long-term economic growth.

“We break ground today and tomorrow we will power industries, energize communities and fuel growth. These projects will be completed within six months from today,” Jiang Fan said.

He also acknowledged the role played by the Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Eric Sino Osawaru, for facilitating engagement with the host community and ensuring smooth collaboration that enabled the project to commence. “We want to express our appreciation to the Honourable Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, Hon. Eric Sino Osawaru, who has been our torchbearer to the Ologbo community, holding our hands in managing all community issues,” he stated.

The company’s managing director also commended the people of Ologbo Community for their cooperation and support, noting that their partnership remains essential to the success of the project. He assured that the company will uphold responsible operational practices, environmental sustainability and strong community engagement throughout the life of the project.

Jiang Fan further expressed confidence that the collaboration between the Edo State Government, the local government authority and the host community would enable the Taihu Industrial Park to attract additional high-value investments and gradually evolve into a major industrial hub in the region. The industrial park is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Edo State’s industrialization agenda while serving as a model for regional economic development. The projects are scheduled for completion within six months, with a commissioning date tentatively fixed for September 9, 2026.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Eric Osawaru, described the groundbreaking ceremony as a major milestone for the local government, Edo State and Nigeria’s energy sector. He noted that the project represents the positive impact of collaboration between government, private investors and host communities, adding that it would create employment opportunities, promote skills development and stimulate infrastructure growth within the area.

Speaking on behalf of the host community, Deacon Osazuwa commended Governor Okpebholo for creating an investor-friendly climate that has encouraged major investments in the state. He said the decision to site the project in Ologbo would significantly boost economic activities and improve livelihoods in the community.

Edo State Commissioner for Power, Paul Usebor, described the project as a strategic step in the state’s drive to become a hub for reliable power generation and industrial development. According to him, the 100MW power plant will strengthen electricity supply within Edo State and surrounding areas, while the 300-metric-tonnes-per-day LNG facility will enhance cleaner energy production, improve gas utilization and boost energy security.

The first phase of the Taihu Benin Industrial Park project will occupy approximately 29 hectares in Ologbo and is being developed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, which is also serving as the major contractor. Upon completion, the facility is expected to provide reliable energy support for regional industrial development and significantly strengthen the power supply infrastructure within the state.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo.