Yemisi Izuora.
The Edo State Government is set to seal a partnership deal with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC, on bulk power supply to boost industrial activities in the state.
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who disclosed this when he received the management team of the NDPHC who paid him a business visit said he was optimistic that about 2,000Mega Watts of power could be generated from the power plants in the state in the next few years.
He explained that what was of immense concern to him was the utilisation of the power that would be generated from the power plants in the state, and added that his administration intends to make the Sapele road axis an industrial site and an electricity generating corridor.
‘’Now that we have found electricity, what are we going to do with it, is there no opportunity for us to think of working with you directly?”
‘How we can bring in people who will buy bulk power and distribute it close to our people who will use it for production purpose.
Earlier, the Managing Director/ CEO of NDPHC, Mr. Chinedu Ugbo said Edo was a major stakeholder in power generation.
He disclosed that governor Obaseki is on the new board to be inaugurated by the Company soon, adding that the visit was to strengthen areas of collaboration.
He said that the company had planned seeking the state approval for the bulk power supply arrangement, and expressed delight at the governor’s support which has opened the way for more opportunities.
‘’Edo is host to one of the big plants which is located along the Benin by-pass” Ugbo said, and commended the host community for their cooperation in ensuring a peaceful business environment.
He listed some of the challenges affecting the company in the state as irregular gas supply and electricity uptake which affect electricity distribution to consumers.